Subs for Clubs
As noted in the last update, nearly 100 MPs attended the Subs for Clubs campaign event, held in Parliament in October 2007. Since then, CCPR, who are leading the campaign to increase the benefits available to CASCs, have held numerous meetings at a number of levels to make the case for the proposal. The case has now been heard and attention turns towards 12 March - Budget Day - to see if the Chancellor has accepted CCPR's proposal. Cascinfo is grateful to all the sports clubs, governing bodies and MPs that have supported the campaign.
Huggy Bear supports the CASC scheme
TV legend Antonio Fargas, aka 'Huggy Bear' from Starsky and Hutch, who was visiting London to promote the work of the British American Football Association, took time out from his busy schedule to give his support to the CASC scheme and the campaign. Speaking to CCPR representatives, Antonio said, "having only just heard of the CASC scheme and Subs for Clubs, I think it's great! I love amateur sports and think any way of supporting it has got to be a cool thing, if it means more young people can realise their sporting dreams."
Parliamentary Activity
Cascinfo has been delighted to see the interest in the CASC scheme displayed by MPs of all parties. To take a look at the key questions and debates that have taken place within Parliament, please click here.
Media Activity
Hugh Robertson MP, Shadow Minister for Sport and the Olympics, has long been a supporter of the CASC scheme. In an article written in January 2008, Mr Robertson notes the success of the CASC scheme and the proposal to include Gift Aid on junior sports club subscriptions. The article is available here.
Gift Aid consultation
400 clubs took part in the Gift Aid survey on cascinfo last year, which informed CCPR's response to HM Treasury's Gift Aid consultation. In December, HM Treasury published a summary of responses to the consultation, which notes the proposal to allow CASCs to claim Gift Aid on their junior subscriptions. The summary can be accessed here.
Latest CASC figures
As of 31 January 2008, 4,648 clubs have registered with the scheme, saving over £23m for grassroots sport.
Since 2002, CASCs have reclaimed £3.6m in Gift Aid. However, only 10% of CASCs (less than 600 clubs) are actually utilising Gift Aid in their fundraising. Richard Baldwin, Chair of the CASC Development Forum, has developed guidance to help clubs maximise their return from Gift Aid. To access the guidance, exclusive to cascinfo, please click here.
National Minimum Wage
NMW remains a key issue for sports clubs. Make sure your club does not fall foul of the rules by reading the sports club specific guidance here.
Bingolotto
CCPR's members will be amongst the beneficiaries of BingoLotto, a new TV game which will raise money for grassroots sport and the voluntary sector. The BingoLotto game has run in Sweden since 1991 where it has raised just under £1bn for sports organisations and charities. The game went live on 29 February 2008. For more information, visit www.bingolotto.tv.
