Northern Ireland Sports Forum Chairperson Roy Millar has outlined his delight that the new rating rules to extend the level of relief for Community Amateur Sports Clubs have received passage through the Assembly and have been announced by Finance Minister Máirtín Ó Muilleoir today.
“The Northern Ireland Sports Forum has long campaigned for increased relief for Community Amateur Sports Clubs from 80% to 100% and has presented to a number of Stormont Committee’s and met with MLA’s and Ministers on why this increased support will have a direct impact to grassroots clubs across many sports. Our sports clubs and their volunteers provide fantastic support for their local communities and the impact sport plays in improving health and well-being along with promoting community cohesion is rightly being recognised. NI Sports Forum also acknowledges the work of former MLA Daithí McKay in driving this process and we thank Daithí for his support” stated Mr Millar.
These regulations which will come into effect from tomorrow provide clubs without full time licensed premises who register as Community Amateur Sports Clubs with 100% rates relief. Northern Ireland Sports Forum will continue to work with our members and the Assembly to campaign for greater support for sports clubs.
Speaking in the Assembly today, the Minister said: “These Regulations now implement the consultation proposals that will secure an increase from 80% to 100% rate support for Community Amateur Sports Clubs without a licensed bar area on their premises. I can confirm that eligible clubs can apply to LPS from tomorrow.
“My Department has taken account of a range of views expressed during the recent consultation and this has informed the final shape of the scheme. This change has struck the right balance between the interests of amateur sport on the one hand and the commercial sector on the other.”
To find out how to register as a CASC visit here