The Scottish Government should think again about plans to remove rates relief from hundreds of public sports facilities across South Scotland according to South Scotland MSP Brian Whittle. The proposals are part of the Barclay Review, which was commissioned by the Scottish Government to explore ways of reforming the Non-Domestic rates system. Among the recommendations are a suggestion to limit the charitable relief available to arms-length organisations (ALEOs), a review of sports club relief and introducing rates for commercial and recreational activities in public parks. ALEOs are used by a number of councils in South Scotland, including East Ayrshire, to manage all council leisure facilities and these proposals could leave them faced with big increases in their rates bills.
Concerns have been raised that in order to cover the cost of these increases, sports facilities and others managed by ALEOs may be forced to increase their prices or reduce their level of service to the public.
MSP Brian called on the Scottish Government to ditch the changes during a Member’s Debate in the Scottish Parliament.
Speaking after the debate, the MSP said:
“I’m extremely concerned that the impact of these proposals just hasn’t been thought through properly. The facilities run by ALEOs and other community sports clubs play a hugely important role in allowing people to have an active healthy lifestyle and if these recommendations were put in place, the impact on public health could be significant. Scotland is dealing with a rising number of cases of illnesses like type 2 diabetes, heart disease and strokes; all of which can be caused by inactive lifestyles. I hope the Scottish Government will think very carefully and avoid making a decision that might give them a short term financial gain, but will cost them dearly in the long run.”