The value of CASCs
Gross income from CASCs has been estimated to be £427 million per annum. This is a substantial figure based on figures recently published in the Sport and Recreation Alliance’s Survey of Sports Clubs 2011 and the Monthly Analysis of CASC Registrations from September 2011, now produced by Tim Baldwin. Other values based on the Survey are the number of adults participating in CASC registered sports clubs estimated at 703,000, the number of participating juniors estimated at 448,000, while the number of volunteers and paid employees is estimated at 171,000. These figures clearly highlight the economic and social importance of CASCs.
The CASC scheme remains open for business.
Some applications are currently being delayed as HMRC clarifies some issues, including membership fee levels, following the Charity Commission decision on Radlett Lawn Tennis club. This does not affect the vast majority of clubs so do not be put off if you think your club is eligible. It is important however that you complete the application form fully as HMRC is returning incomplete applications. Guidance on the qualifying conditions and how to apply can be found on HMRC’s website.
Sport and Recreation Alliance lobbying
As part of the Alliance’s on-going work to improve the CASC scheme,it met with HMRC and Treasury officials to discuss some of the technical and operational issues that governing bodies are experiencing with the scheme. The meeting was positive and HMRC has promised to examine several key issues. Before the end of the year the Alliance will also be meeting with the Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Chloe Smith MP, to encourage HM Treasury to make policy and legislative changes to bolster the scheme. The outcomes from this meeting will be included in the next CASC newsletter.
The Football Association promoting CASC
The FA recently launched a major initiative for its FA Charter Standard clubs to register as CASC's and start using JustGiving online for Gift Aid. Full details are available here on the YourGame website. Many other sports are also taking up the challenge of promoting the CASC scheme through their CASC Champions.
Membership subscriptions
A reminder that membership subscriptions for CASCs do not qualify for Gift Aid since this is prohibited under the CASC legislation. There have been many questions on this recently and Sport and Recreation Alliance is trying to persuade HM Treasury to change the law to allow Gift Aid to be claimed on junior subscriptions.
CASC Sports Forum
Sport and Recreation Allianceheld a CASC Sports Forum meeting on 18th October 2011. A number of governing body CASC Champions attended to share experiences and discuss practical issues. The next CASC Sports Forum is due to take place in Spring 2012- if you want to be involved, let David Foster know dfoster@sportandrecreation.org.uk.
Monthly Analysis of CASC Registrations
Latest CASC registration figures are now up to date. As of September 2011 there were 6,080 registered CASC's. Cricket leads the way with 1,210 of all registered clubs. Unfortunately Deloitte LLP who produced the analysis for a number of years is now unable to continue to do so. The good news is that Tim Baldwin has started producing the analysis from April 2011 onwards and this information will be made available on the cascinfo.co.uk website.
