Alliance responds to business rates announcement

The Government has announced that pubs, clubs and live music venues are set to receive a 20% reduction to their business rates bills from April next year.

Responding to the announcement, Sport and Recreation Alliance CEO Lisa Wainwright MBE said:

"Today's announcement is a recognition the business rates system is not working and needs reform, but we are deeply concerned the proposed reductions in business rates do not extend to sports clubs and venues which urgently need support.
 
"We very much welcome the new Prime Minister’s recent comments regarding support for grassroots sport. Community sports clubs and facilities are at the heart of towns, villages and cities across the country, improving health and wellbeing, tackling loneliness, creating opportunities for young people and strengthening communities. So it is deeply concerning that the sport and recreation sector appears to have once again been overlooked for support, despite its clear positive contribution to local communities and the enormous contribution the sector makes to the economy and society, including over £120bn per year in social value alone.
 
"The Sport and Recreation Alliance has consistently argued for targeted support through the business rates system and we are seeking urgent clarification from the Government on the scope of today’s announcement, including what this means for existing business rates reliefs that many grassroots sports clubs and venues rely upon. 
 
"We will continue to make the case strongly to Government that the sport and recreation sector receives both the recognition and support it needs ahead of the planned Budget later this year, and that future reform of business rates properly reflects the enormous social and economic value that sport delivers every day."

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