Grassroots sports across the country are set for a boost. Under new Government proposals, Amateur Sports Clubs will become eligible for a discount on their rates.

The proposal is an amendment to the Local Government Bill currently going through Parliament. Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs) will be able to receive mandatory rate relief at 80% of their bills - which could be increased to 100% at the discretion of local authorities.

Currently, Amateur Sports Clubs are able to receive mandatory rate relief if they register as charities with the Charity Commission. The new Government proposals will provide sports clubs with a much simpler method of obtaining mandatory rate relief by registering as CASC.

Sports clubs that do not meet the requirements for mandatory rate relief will still remain eligible for discretionary rate relief from their local authorities.

Local Government Minister Nick Raynsford said:

"This is great news for sport, and will, I believe, give a real boost to sports at the grassroots level.

"The teenage athletes of today could be the gold medallists of tomorrow's Olympics - perhaps even the London Olympics of 2012. But just as important is encouraging wider public involvement in a range of sporting activities, which is good for people’s health and well-being"

Minister for Sport, Richard Caborn, said:

"This measure is another demonstration of the Government's commitment to sport. We have listened to sport and delivered a major reform which will help thousands of clubs up and down the country.

"It follows the introduction in the last 6 months alone of tax benefits for Community and Amateur Sports Clubs, £60 million for club facilities and the extra £100 million for grassroots sport announced by Tessa Jowell in July. That represents a huge investment in club facilities.

"I want governing bodies to use this chance to make a real difference in the numbers of people playing sport."

Roger Draper, Chief Executive of Sport England, said:

"This is fantastic news for sports clubs and sport in general.

"Mandatory rate relief will be a huge step forward in ensuring not only the survival but also the development of sports clubs across the country.

"This in turn will mean more opportunities for people to get involved in sport, stay in sport and excel and succeed in sport at every level."