Rates, VAT, Laws, Natwest, CGB and ERD.
Business Rates Revaluation 2017
New Rateable Values will come into force on 1 April 2017. Please see the RFU briefing note on the 2017 rating revaluation for information HERE.
Checklist of actions for clubs
• Rateable Values will change from 1st April 2017 – clubs should be aware of this
• New Rateable Values are available at https://www.gov.uk/correct-your-business-rates
• From this page you can also estimate business rates liabilities taking account of reliefs
• Mandatory reliefs are available for CASC’s, Charities, and small businesses
• Small business relief will increase significantly from 1 April 2017
• Check and consider the new RV carefully before making any appeal
Club Secretaries and Treasurers and CB Secretaries and Treasurers
VAT Helpline
We are becoming aware that following VAT inspections by HMRC, many clubs believe they have been incorrectly assessed and are able to recover more than first assumed.
Typically this will relate to pitch and playing related expenditure such as drainage or pitch improvements and floodlighting.
In many cases the clubs are perfectly entitled to recover part or all of the VAT incurred on these works and as such the assessment made by HMRC can be challenged and overturned resulting in a repayment of the VAT to the club.
There is a time limit of 30 days from the date of the assessment within which a challenge should be made. However, where it can be demonstrated that the assessment is clearly incorrect HMRC will invariably waive this.
In order to ensure clubs are dealt with fairly and consistently by HMRC around the country we would like to invite any club who has been faced with a VAT assessment (or where a club has been told by HMRC that VAT cannot be recovered on such expenditure) in the last four years to seek a free of charge review from our VAT consultant Russell Moore.
Russell can be contacted on either 07710 329317 or via rugbyVAT@saffery.com
World Rugby’s new law application and sanctions to improve safety with head contact
World Rugby has announced new law application and sanctions which will come into effect across the game from January 3, 2017, concerning players making contact with opponents’ heads.
For more information and guidance on implementing the new law, application guidelines can be found at: http://laws.worldrugby.org/guidelines
World Rugby has also developed an educational video which will further explain the Law Application Guideline and can be found HERE.
The new measures come as a positive contribution to the game and support the research and work that the RFU does to ensure rugby is as safe as possible, with player welfare at the heart. As a result of these changes, World Rugby has announced amendments to the disciplinary process and regulations that all Unions are required to adopt from January 3.
For Information
NatWest RugbyForce 2017
NatWest RugbyForce launched on Wednesday 23 November 2017
Please find information below on NatWest RugbyForce 2017. Registration is now open online at: www.EnglandRugby.com/NatWestRugbyForce
The programme offers a unique and carefully crafted programme for grassroots clubs across the country, including a wealth of advice and support to ensure that clubs can thrive as strong and sustainable businesses away from just the on-pitch action.
This year’s new and improved programme will offer clubs that register by 5 February 2017 the following:
Support packages of £500 awarded to 200 clubs who are selected to attend one of up to 35 NatWest RugbyForce workshops.
Invitation for up to 70 clubs to raise funds via a crowdfunding programme with NatWest RugbyForce contributing up to £750 as a booster towards the project and campaign following a very successful pilot last year.
60 pitch maintenance packages to include a visit from the Twickenham Head Groundsman Keith Kent (or one of his team of pitch advisors) to help devise a pitch maintenance schedule for the weekend.
Support packages of £2,000 to help put Keith’s report into practice over the NatWest RugbyForce weekend.
Support collateral to help promote clubs’ NatWest RugbyForce weekend event – set to take place on 24th and 25th June 2017.
The opportunity to access additional funding later on in the programme.
Clubs that don’t register by the February deadline will still have access to a NatWest RugbyForce support toolkit and are encouraged to participate in the NatWest RugbyForce weekend.
Coordinated Consultation of Representative and Aspirational Programmes
The Community Game Board (CGB) would like to thank all Constituent Bodies (CBs) and many others for their timely response to the above request for feedback over the last few months. A response was received from the vast majority of CBs and the feedback presented to CGB in January alongside other related information. This will now be taken into the business planning process and plans for 17/18 and beyond will be developed. Thanks again for your feedback at what we know was a busy time for CBs, and we look forward to further communication on this matter in due course.
Club Secretaries, Chairs and Treasurers
EnglandRugbyDeals (ERD)
EnglandRugbyDeals (ERD) is run by the RFU in conjunction with Independent Buyers Ltd, a buying consortium who has negotiated competitive discounts for clubs. Membership gives clubs access to deals and offers on products and services rugby clubs use from hospitality, printing, utilities, maintenance and club facilities. Members get access to a website with