§ Mr. SwireTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans she has to instruct local 469W authorities to reduce rates and rental on sports clubs occupying sites in the ownership of their local authority. [27869]
§ Mr. CabornLocal authorities are responsible for rents charged to sports clubs which are located on their property, and the Government have no scope to dictate the amounts charged.
Local authorities can already grant discretionary rate relief of up to 100 per cent. to sports clubs, and the majority do so. However, sport's governing and representative bodies have asked the Government to provide greater certainty for local clubs. I therefore welcome the Charity Commission's announcement of 30 November 2001 that community amateur sports clubs may now apply for registered charitable status. Eligible clubs which successfully apply to become charities will enjoy a range of financial benefits including mandatory rate relief of 80 per cent. (which may be topped-up to 100 per cent. at the discretion of local authorities).
§ Mr. SwireTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans she has to direct local authorities not to take into account improvements made to sports clubs occupying sites in the ownership of their local authority when agreeing a new lease. [27868]
§ Mr. CabornThis is a matter for local authorities, which are responsible for setting the terms of leases of their property. However, the Government expect local authorities to take account of the special characteristics and needs of sports clubs when doing so.