Charity Commission and amateur sport: consultation and public benefit assessments

The questions in the consultation focus on the definition of "sport” and "amateur", as well as the evidence required to demonstrate that the sport promotes the participants’ health and is for the public benefit. The twelve-week consultation period closes on 31 May 2011. The Commission will then draft guidance based on responses to the consultation to be published later this year.

The Charity Commission has also published its public benefit assessments of four sport and recreation charities. Three of the four charities passed the public benefit test. The fourth did not provide sufficient opportunities to benefit those who were unable to afford its high fees and therefore failed the public benefit test. The trustees of this charity have three months to confirm that they will put a plan in place to ensure that the charity fulfils the public benefit requirement; they then have a further nine months to submit a suitable plan to the Commission.

The Charity Commission has also recently made a decision to register Hitchin Bridge Club as an amateur sport charity.

All of the above developments will assist amateur sports clubs who are considering seeking charitable status.

For more information, please contact Andrew Goldstone on 020 7440 7205.