§ Mr. BaileyTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much money she has given to Supporters Direct to promote more democratic participation in the management of football clubs; and what related discussions she has had with the Football Association on the conversion of football clubs to mutual organisations. [127828]
§ Mr. CabornThe Government launched Supporters Direct in 2000 to assist and advise supporters' trust groups to get involved in the responsible running of clubs. Most Premier and Football League clubs now have club trusts, and majority shareholdings are now held by supporters' representatives at three clubs. Supporters Direct received £250,000 a year in public funding for 2000–01 to 2002–03, and will receive core funding of £325,000 for 2003–04. These amounts were, and will be, "top-sliced" from the Football Foundation's income from the Reduction in Pool Betting Duty.
Supporters Direct has recently become an Industrial and Provident Society organised along mutual lines, and has suggested that professional football clubs could also benefit from the adoption of that status. I intend to discuss the issue with the football authorities once they have considered that suggestion in detail.