Sport and recreation clubs embody community spirit. Reliant on volunteers, they operate for the love of their chosen activity and will invest what little profit they make in their facility or activity.

The localism agenda must offer genuine opportunities for clubs to take over facilities and have a greater say in how services are managed.

New community rights and planning policy must offer viable means of ensuring there are sufficient facilities to meet the needs of local communities.

For help on changes at a local authority, please see our dedicated web pages for help on issues such as Community Asset Transfer, business rates, rate relief, planning and much, much more.

Background

• the localism agenda is a mix of policies which promotes local decision making
• the Localism Bill introduced new community rights to ‘Buy’ and ‘Challenge’ plus neighbourhood plans which can protect green spaces.

Current status

• the Localism Bill is being scrutinised by Parliament but the majority of the detail will be contained in the regulations
• localism initiatives must offer genuine opportunities and not just a sop to excuse reduced support for facilities from local authorities
• community organisations must be given sufficient time to bid for assets and services in recognition of their voluntary/not-for-profit status
• neighbourhood plans must protect existing facilities and plan to improve opportunities.

Action Points

• regulations should support the development of community clubs
• Parliamentarians can ensure the National Planning Policy Framework protects valuable facilities
• clubs should get involved with the development of their local/neighbourhood plans.

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