Are Redland's Sports Clubs Missing Out on Thousands?

By Al_Shaw | Wednesday, January 27, 2010, 22:36

Are amateur sports clubs in Cotham and Redland missing out on money they are entitled to from the government?

Sports minister Gerry Sutcliffe has urged more clubs to join the Community Amateur Sports Club scheme (CASC) so they will have money to help them develop after the 2012 Olympics. The scheme has resulted in over £60 million worth of tax savings nationally over the last seven years. There are over 5,500 clubs registerd with the scheme, which allows clubs to take advantage of a number of tax breaks.

These include:

- relief on 80 per cent of the business rates bill

- reclaiming gift aid on donations from individuals

- exemption from Corporation Tax on profits if their annual income is under £30,000

Clubs that are eligible for the scheme encourage participation in a qualifying sport, are open to the whole community and reinvest profits back into the club.

Minister for Sport Gerry Sutcliffe said: “Sports clubs will play a crucial role in helping us reach our goal of getting 2 million people more active by 2013. Being part of the scheme means that clubs will have more funds at their disposal to help increase participation.”

A preliminary survey of local ameteur sports clubs in Redland and Cotham finds 16 clubs covering football, rugby, tennis, bowls, squash and hockey.

Is your club registered with CASC? How have you benefitted?