More Government Broken Promises

HUGH ROBERTSON ACCUSES THE GOVERNMENT OF BROKEN PROMISES OVER INCREASED LICENCE FEES FOR SPORTS CLUBS

Hugh Robertson, the MP for Faversham and Mid Kent and the Shadow Sports Minister, has attacked the government for breaking its word and increasing licensing fees for sports clubs. The increases, which affect all sports and community clubs, are coming to light as they renew their alcohol licenses under the new Licensing Act regime.

During the passage of the bill, the government promised to restrict the scale of the rises. Hugh raised the issue directly with the Prime Minister at Prime Minister’s Questions during the last Parliament. As a result of this, the Prime Minister promised:-

‘to adjust the position if sports clubs were unfairly burdened by disproportionate fees.’

Despite this, sports clubs which previously paid between £5 and £25 for a license for three years are now being charged initial fees of between £100 and £635 and fees in subsequent years of between £70 and £300 per annum.

Hugh said: “The government, and the Prime Minister, have simply broken direct promises made before the election and inflicted another stealth tax on sport. The effect of the increased fees will be either to drive some clubs out of business or to affect the amount of money they have available to spend on other areas such as youth development.

“I would strongly urge all club and society treasurers to examine their own financial position now and plan accordingly. Otherwise they will get a very nasty shock when they come to renew their licenses.”