John Penrose

Conservative Party | Weston-super-Mare

Sports Clubs Missing Out

90% of sports clubs are missing out on tax relief, figures passed to MP John Penrose have revealed.  The Weston-super-Mare MP is calling on the Government to improve information on claiming tax relief for sports clubs

At present sports clubs that register under the Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC) scheme are entitled to claim Gift Aid tax relief. But most clubs are still missing out.  Estimates given to Mr Penrose by the Central Council of Physical Recreation (CCPR) show that only 10% of sports clubs actually claim Gift Aid on the funds they raise.

Mr Penrose has written to all the local CASC registered sports and community clubs on the issue. He is also asking the Government to ensure that existing CASC clubs are better informed of the benefits of using Gift Aid.

Mr Penrose said:

“At present, it is estimated that only 10 per cent of sports clubs registered under the CASC scheme actually claim Gift Aid on the funds they raise. This amounts to over £2.8 million in total, an average of over £6,000 a club.

“There are dozens of local sports clubs doing a fantastic job. They are mostly run by volunteers and goodwill. Many of them aren’t registered on the CASC scheme. Some clubs have commented that the schemes feel over -complicated or irrelevant to their situation Unless they are registered, they aren’t eligible for either rate relief or gift aid. 

“The CCPR tell me that clubs offering activities such as swimming, gymnastics and netball have been among the slowest to sign up for the scheme.

“I’m worried that they are missing out, particularly in the run up to the 2012 Olympics. The Government shouldn’t be putting hurdles in their path. They deserve a simple, clear system, easy to understand the benefits, easy to claim support.