APPLICATION OF VAT TO FOOTBALL LEAGUE PITCH BLOCK BOOKINGS

That this House notes with concern that a policy change by HM Revenue and Customs has resulted in a substantial increase in the costs of block booking a football league pitch; further notes that many teams, including constituents of Walsall South who play at the local Goals Soccer Centre, had until now not been charged VAT for the block booking of their league pitch due to long-standing VAT exemption regulations which allowed for a series of sports facility bookings to be VAT exempt; is concerned that the 20 per cent. increase in the cost of taking part in weekly football is threatening participation in sports and will therefore have a negative impact on health and well-being; and calls on the Government to take all possible steps to ensure that participation in physical activities, including league football, remains accessible and affordable.