Forum Brief: Sport sector's Budget response

Gordon Brown's Budget 2002 also included announced tax relief for amateur sports clubs and an extra 20 million pounds this year for renovation and improvement of local sports facilities.

"Amateur sports clubs are the mainstay of local sports in our country and the pride of every strong community. The secretary of state for Culture, Media and Sport and I are determined to do all we can to support sport throughout the whole country," the chancellor told the Commons.

Forum Response: Sport England

David Moffett, chief executive of Sport England, told ePolitix.com: "We welcome the chancellor's announcement as a real boost for community amateur sport clubs across the country.

"Clubs may now choose how to receive tax exemptions either by applying for charitable status or directly through the Inland Revenue. Sport England will be working closely with the Charity Commission and Department of Culture Media and Sport, to set up a help line which will offer clubs practical advice on how to apply for charitable status. Information and contact details will also be posted on the Sport England website.

"The announcement of £20 million for modernising sports facilities is significant. This is a positive step in the right direction and we welcome the chancellor's recognition of the need to improve facilities to ensure the future of sport in this country."

Forum Response: Charity Commission

John Stoker, chief charity commissioner at the Charity Commission, told ePolitix.com: "We have been working closely with sports bodies and other government departments to fine-tune our new guidance so that it is as clear and easy to understand as possible.

"We are grateful to those bodies for helping us in this. We hope that sports clubs will find our new guidance helpful and that those wishing to take advantage of this new charitable purpose will feel encouraged to do so."