The future survival of voluntary sports clubs throughout Great Britain could depend on the outcome of a tribunal in York.

York Cricket and Rugby Union Club are asking for a 'zero non-domestic rate', claiming that without it, their future - and that of similar clubs up and down the country - would be in jeopardy.

The potentially ground-breaking move - via an East Yorkshire Valuation Tribunal - is basically an appeal by the club to reduce to zero the cost of rates levied on its Clifton Park ground and property.

Like most clubs of similar ilk in York, the Clifton-based club currently do not have to pay rates because of a 100 per cent rate relief awarded by the City of York Council.

However, as has been reported in the Evening Press, the future of such rate relief has become uncertain as local councils seek to increase revenues, meaning that such clubs could be hit by massive rates bills valued on a par with profit-making businesses.

In the case in question, York Cricket and Rugby Club would have to pay rates of £13,900 following the 1995 and 1996 valuations, though a reassessment value of £19,400 has since been put forward. Such costs, they say, could cause them to go under.

Therefore, if their appeal is successful, it could set a precedent that would secure the futures of voluntary sports clubs all over the country.

If it fails, then it could signal the death knell for such non-profit-making clubs everywhere.

The tribunal hearing held in York's Guildhall, was told that such rates bills are calculated as a value approximate to the rent a tenant would be expected to pay for the facility.

However, Chris Houseman, secretary of the York club, said in reality any owner could not expect to receive rent for such a sports facility as no such club would be able to afford such a cost.

"It's important to set rateable values that are achievable because in the long-run they determine to a large extent the survival of clubs," he said.

"We don't have massive pots of cash and we are struggling to cover costs as it is.

"It would be the same for the hypothetical tenant."

Under current legislation, registered charities and churches pay less rates as they are assessed under different criteria. However, voluntary sports clubs are rated as non-domestic properties, similar to profit-making businesses.

"The district valuer is valuing Clifton Park as a commercial site, but it's not a commercial entity," said Houseman.

"It's not capable of being run as a business.

"We have to raise money however we can to pay our costs, not to make profits."

Terry Wilkinson, senior valuer for the Valuation Office Agency, told the tribunal that under legislation sports facilities had to be valued as non-domestic properties, and argued that the ability to pay - contrary to what Houseman said - should not be taken into consideration.

However, the tribunal heard that the York club had been supported in its appeal by other local clubs and also by the York and District Sports Council, of which Houseman is secretary.

The decision of the tribunal is not expected for at least a week, but Malcolm Johnson, chairman of the Sports Council, told the Evening Press: "This appeal can be seen as a potential precedent.

"It's not just about today but what it may lead to."

Updated: 11:43 Wednesday, January 17, 2001