THE future survival of voluntary sports clubs throughout Great Britain has been dealt a huge blow following a tribunal in York.

That is the warning from York Cricket and Rugby Union Club, whose appeal to reduce to zero the cost of rates levied on its Clifton Park ground was turned down by the tribunal.

As reported in the Evening Press, the club had claimed that without a 'zero non-domestic rate' their future and that of similar voluntary sports clubs around the country would be in jeopardy.

They had been given a rates bill of £13,900 but appealed via an East Yorkshire Valuation Tribunal for it to be negated by virtue of the fact they are not a commercial entity.

They argued that voluntary clubs, like charities, should not be bracketed alongside profit-making businesses when it comes to rates valuations.

They also said they would be unable to pay such rates without the 100 per cent rate-relief currently awarded by the City of York Council.

However, the tribunal found in favour of the valuation officer, who argued that any inability to pay rates was irrelevant as other 'non-domestic' clubs would always be there to move into the ground.

But secretary of the Clifton-based club, Chris Houseman, said: "The theoretical assessments of the valuation officer treat us as a business and not the voluntary organisation we are.

"This methodology means the valuation officer and tribunal believe that some organisation would today pay around £21,000 per annum to rent Clifton Park.

"I would love to hear from any such body prepared to do that."

Houseman said that without the aforementioned rate-relief the cost of rates would force the club to go under, and as the future of such rate-relief was unsure - as councils look to increase revenue - the future of the club was insecure.

He argued that most sports clubs of similar ilk would be in the same boat.

"The irony of it all is that the Government provides for councils to allow 100 per cent rate-relief to sports clubs so it is officially recognised that rateable values for sports clubs are unrealistic," he said.

"But now the clubs are at the mercy of councils increasing rates and reducing relief.

And all this at a time when the Government is promoting the voluntary sector and excellence in sport.

"Without roots, you don't get flowers."

The club were considering appealing against the decision.

Updated: 14:14 Saturday, February 17, 2001