The Minister made the announcement following the Assembly debate on The Rates (Increased Reduction for Recreational Hereditaments) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016. The new rule amends existing rating legislation in order to provide enhanced rate support for eligible clubs.

Speaking in the Assembly today, the Minister said: “These Regulations now implement the consultation proposals that will secure an increase from 80% to 100% rate support for Community Amateur Sports Clubs without a licensed bar area on their premises. I can confirm that eligible clubs can apply to LPS from tomorrow.

“My Department has taken account of a range of views expressed during the recent consultation and this has informed the final shape of the scheme. This change has struck the right balance between the interests of amateur sport on the one hand and the commercial sector on the other.”