Double success for local sports and social clubs

23.4.02

Edward Davey, Liberal Democrat MP for Kingston and Surbiton, is celebrating success after the removal of a Government threat to the financial viability of local social clubs and after the Budget introduction of new tax benefits for community sports clubs.

Social Club Victory

Last year a Government report on gaming proposed banning large prize money gaming machines from all private social clubs. This would have taken away a major source of income from many local social clubs such as British Legions. Edward Davey lobbied ministers on this issue and collected petition signatures against the proposed changes. The Government has now announced that the report's recommendation will not be accepted. Mr Davey said:

"Some local clubs are finding it difficult to attract new funds and members, so the banning of these machines could have had a terrible effect.

"Many clubs play a role within our local community so it is important they are supported as much as possible. Currently private social clubs can have gaming machines with a top prize of up to £250. The funds generated provide vital revenue for clubs.

"There are concerns about young people using gaming machines, but this is a situation that needs to be monitored through cooperation between the Gaming Board and our social clubs. I am delighted that our campaign has succeeded in throwing out this nannying proposal."

Sports Club Victory

MP Edward Davey also pressed for new tax benefits for local amateur sports clubs which the Chancellor has now brought in during this year's budget. Mr Davey said:

"Local sports clubs can often be clobbered by tax bills on relatively tiny budgets.

"I strongly believe that local sports clubs are vital to a thriving, healthy community. Given the need to encourage and develop sports across the country, it's amazing these new benefits weren't brought in years ago.

"Local sports clubs can now keep more of the money they raise to invest in their facilities. I hope many will try even harder to attract new and younger members to join in the fun."