Newcastle area Councillor Stephen Burns (Sinn Féin) has encouraged amateur sports clubs to respond to a consultation seeking views on rates exemption.
Councillor Burns said: “Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has brought forward a Private Members Bill intended to make amateur sports’ clubs fully exempt from rates.
“At present amateur clubs are entitled to 80% Rate Relief which was introduced to support grass roots sport. In these very challenging economic times, however, many clubs are still struggling to survive and there is a real risk that the benefits enjoyed by so many people through the pursuit of sporting activities will be lost.”
He added: “This bill is extremely timely and I would encourage amateur sports clubs to respond to this consultation as soon as possible.”
The consultation closes on
13 February and the survey can be found at:
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www.surveymonkey.com/s/bp2lnxr
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