GRASS roots sports across the country are set for a boost when, under new Government proposals, amateur sports clubs will become eligible for a discount on their rates.
The proposal is an amendment to the Local Government Bill currently going through Parlia-ment. Community amateur sports clubs (CASCS) will be able to receive mandatory rate relief at 80 per cent of their bills - which could be increased to 100 per cent at the discretion of local authorities.
Currently, amateur sports clubs are able to receive mandatory rate relief if they register as charities with the Charity Commission.
The new Government proposals will provide sports clubs with a much simpler method of obtaining mandatory rate relief by registering as CASCS. Sports clubs that do not meet the requirements for mandatory rate relief will still remain eligible for discretionary rate relief.
Local Government Minister Nick Raynsford said: "This is great news for sport, and will, I believe, give a real boost to sports at the grass roots level."
Minister for Sport, Richard Caborn, added: "This measure is another demonstration of the Government's commitment to sport. We have listened to top sport and delivered a major reform which will help thousands of clubs up and down the country."
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