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Lack of CASC awareness in local authorities

Research conducted by Deloitte has found that local authorities (LA's) are failing to promote the CASC scheme, which can actually save them money! As the associated mandatory rate relief benefit of CASC registration is centrally funded by Government, LA's could save money by encouraging more clubs to participate in the scheme. Click here for further information.

Launch of www.cascinfo.co.uk

The launch of www.cascinfo.co.uk was reported in both the Times and Sunday Telegraph. Since the site went live on 16 October it has received over 7,200 unique visits and generated over 24,800 page views. Many users have also downloaded the documents the site contains, particularly the draft constitution and application forms. We are always appreciative of feedback so if you have any comments about the site please email feedback@cascinfo.co.uk.

December’s Pre-Budget Report, delivered by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown, contained no additional benefits for the CASC scheme despite assurance that he would use the report to support grassroots sport. However, over 70 Members of Parliament have added their support by signing a parliamentary motion, click here for further details.

The CASC Development Forum, led by the Central Council of Physical Recreation (CCPR), is also stepping up its campaign to ensure CASC registered clubs can claim Gift Aid on their junior subscriptions. It is estimated that this could add benefits of a further £25 million for grassroots sport. CCPR representatives continue to work with Government to highlight the importance of sports clubs and the positive impact that this proposal would have on registered clubs.

CCPR is always keen to hear from clubs that are either considering applying for the scheme or those that have already achieved CASC status. This is because one of the best ways to make a case for improvements to the scheme is demonstrating how the scheme has benefited sports clubs so far. The club perspective makes for powerful case studies to relay to decision makers, illustrating how the monies saved through registering as a CASC have enabled the club to invest, for example, in new kits and facilities. To register an interest in becoming a cascinfo.co.uk case study please e-mail feedback@cascinfo.co.uk.

runningsports offer a series of workshops for sports volunteers, one of which is specifically aimed at clubs and organisations seeking to achieve CASC status. Since piloting the workshop in November 2005, 146 individuals have taken advantage of the advice provided by the runningsports 'How to Get Tax Breaks for Your Club' workshop. There are already a further five workshops planned to run before the end of March 2007. Click here to view further information about the workshop and to find the nearest one to you.

Figures provided by Deloitte show there are now 4,141 clubs registered as CASCs, with an estimated total cash benefit of at least £16.8 million in rate relief, corporation tax savings and Gift Aid repayments. However, an estimated £60m per year is being lost by clubs eligible to join the scheme but which have not yet done so. The sports of cricket, bowls, lawn tennis, rugby union and football continue to lead the way with 71% of the total registrations. For a more detailed analysis, please click here.

The Performing Right Society (PRS), which distributes royalties to composers, writers and publishers for the public performance of music, has launched a campaign to increase the number of sports clubs purchasing PRS Music Licences. CCPR recently met with representatives of the PRS and remains concerned that no prior notice was given of the PRS’ intention to target sports clubs, and that there had been no discussion of appropriate fee levels for sports clubs.

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