‘Amateur sports clubs should not have to pay rates’ – Brady
Newry Armagh Assembly Member Mickey Brady has written to all amateur sports clubs in Newry urging them to support a Sinn Féin bill which calls for 100% rates exemption for their clubs.
This Private Member’s Bill has been introduced by Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay and will be debated in the Assembly in the months ahead.
Brady told Newry Times, “In 2002 the Community Amateur Sports Club Scheme (CASC) was introduced. This enabled amateur clubs to avail of a range of tax reliefs and an 80% reduction in Rate payments.
“In the rest of Ireland land which is developed for sporting use is exempt from paying commercial rates; while in England, Scotland and Wales local authorities have the discretion to increase the rate relief from 80% under the CASC to 100%.
The local MLA continued, “Sinn Féin has brought this Bill to the Assembly to ensure that sports clubs here in the North can also enjoy 100% rate relief. We are aware of the massive role which local sporting organisations play in our communities and we want to see them, and those who volunteer so much of their time, fully supported.
He added, “Over the past years many clubs have been decimated due to emigration and a reduction in fundraising ability. I hope that this Bill will go some way to addressing this and keeping our clubs afloat.”
Brady ended by urging clubs to complete the consultation survey that can be found at www.surveymonkey.com/s/BP2LNXR
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