The Federation of Sports and Play Associations (FSPA) is surveying its members in the sporting goods and golf sectors to let them know what issues they would like them to lobby government on during the Covid-19 crisis.
“I would like to thank all our members for their responses to our survey,” says Jane Montgomery, the FSPA’s Head of General Affairs. “The situation is a developing one and some of the issues raised, such as staff retention, have now been addressed by government.
“However, two outstanding areas of concern were raised by several members and, as yet, have not been specifically dealt with by the government.”
Business Rates Holidays for Manufacturers and Distributors
“Business rates holidays have been introduced for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses for the 2020 to 2021 tax year,” says Jane. “However, despite many of our manufacturers and distributors being severely affected by the impact on the leisure industry in particular, so far no such relief has been provided to them.
“We are lobbying government for the same 12-month payment holiday to be extended to manufacturers and distributors. We will feed back news of progress to you as soon as we have it.
“In the meantime, if you have a direct retail division within your company contact your Local Authority to enquire if the 12-month payment holiday for the retail, hospitality and leisure businesses includes your Company.
Deferred Customs Duties and Import VAT
“Many of our members import and/or export goods and say that they would like a deferred payment period for Customs Duties and Import VAT in line with the current VAT deferral scheme provided by the government,” continues Jane.
“We are lobbying government for a deferral scheme for Customs Duties and Import VAT like the UK VAT deferral scheme already in place and again, we will feed back news of progress to you as soon as possible.”
For further support, information or to raise any issues of concern, please contact Jane Montgomery – jane@sportsandplay.com
