IT gives me great pleasure to report on the successful conclusion of a long-fought campaign to free non-profit making sports clubs from the payment of possibly all the business rates due on their premises.
On Friday September 5 Gordon Brown announced that all registered community amateur sports clubs will be entitled to mandatory rate relief at 80%.
This is at last a
triumph for common sense, but how difficult it has proved to obtain.
Sheer determination and persistence has gained a reward which will offer a degree of financial stability to sports clubs.
It is fair to record our thanks to the members of the West Devon Borough Council, who despite their difficulties over the years, have done their best to award discretionary relief at varying levels.
This power will remain in their hands; naturally we hope they will be able to exercise this privilege where considered deserved.
Over the last five years the project has been directed (in the main) by Nigel Hook, head of Policy at the Central Council of Physical Recreation. He has received much support from the press both at local and national level.
Many members of Parliament, including, I am pleased to say, John Burnett, have added their full weight in support.
Justice, it would appear, seems done!
Okehampton's Rugby Club, which has been at the very forefront of this action, would like to thank all those at any level who have brought this situation about.
Ted Cann
Exeter Road
Okehampton