Sport and Recreation Alliance responds to mini-Budget

Houses of Parliament ()

The Sport and Recreation Alliance has responded to today’s mini-Budget announcement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Lisa Wainwright MBE, CEO of the Alliance said: “Today’s announcement contains a substantial package of tax cuts and regulatory changes alongside the previously announced energy price support for business which we have welcomed.

“Some of these changes, for example reversal of the planned increase in Corporation Tax and scrapping of the off-payroll working rules, should help cut the tax burden and reduce costs and complexity in the short term.

“We are also pleased to see that Gift Aid will be maintained at its current level until 2027. This means sports charities and Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCS) can continue to claim 25p for every £1 of eligible donation for the foreseeable future.

“However it is disappointing not to see more progress on specific tax changes we have proposed in our recent Unlocking the Potential report – including changes to the VAT treatment of sport, physical activity and recreation, a re-examination of the red diesel exemption and further reform of the business rates system.

“In this context the Government’s commitment to embedding simplification of the tax system as a core priority for HM Treasury and HMRC is welcome. We will continue to advocate for reforms to the tax regime alongside wider policy changes which support the growth of our sector given the contribution improved health and wellbeing can make to economic prosperity.

“Ultimately today’s package of measures is designed to deliver a new era of economic growth. The risk is that should the expected growth not materialise, the public finances will again be put under pressure with hard choices to be made on spending and long-term investment.

“The last decade has been a challenging one for grassroots community sport, recreation and physical activity and if we are to play our fullest role in tackling inequalities and supporting the health and wellbeing of the nation, we cannot afford a repeat.”

To read the full Growth Plan 2022 head here.

To read more about the Energy Bill Relief Scheme head here and you can find some further guidance here.

To read our response to the Energy Bill Relief Scheme head here.