Second reading debate may be found here

Local Football Relief Fund Bill

A

BILL

TO

Support struggling local football clubs that are crucial to local communities.

”BE IT ENACTED by the Queen’s Most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:—”

Section 1: Interpretation

(1) “The fund” refers to the DCMS Local Football Relief Fund as outlined in this legislation.

(2) A small local football club means a football club with less than 10 million pounds in revenue and located in England.

(3) "Secretary of State" shall refer to the Secretary of State enforced with the functions of overseeing sporting bodies

Section 2: Relief Fund

(1) The Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sports shall set up a Local Football Relief Fund with 50 million pounds to provide support to small local football clubs.

(a) The amount allocated to this fund and the distribution of the fund to various clubs shall be under the complete jurisdiction of the Secretary of State.

(2) Any local football club may apply for a loan from the fund provided it meets the following standards:

(a) The club is financially struggling and has exhausted all other means of financial relief

(b) The club has importance in the local community and significant support exists for the continued operation of the club in the community.

(c) A plan has been submitted to repay the loan and make the club financially solvent in the future.

(d) Any other standards the Secretary may make by regulations.

Section 3: Public Notice

(1) During the review period of the application for 30 days, the Secretary of State must;

(a) Give notice of the application being received on all platforms, and publish the full application,

(b) Set up a feedback system so the public may respond either online or by mail, and

(c) Hold a hearing on the application open to the public near the football club’s location.

Section 4: Violations

(1) Bi-annual audits shall be done on all football clubs by the Secretary of State who have received a loan from the DCMS Secretary of State.

(a) If they are found to be misusing funds for any purpose another than the club’s operations, then the loan shall be recalled.

(b) If the club violates any rule of the league they belong to including but not limited to match-fixing, bribery, or doping the Secretary may decide to recall the loan.

(2) Any club that has an outstanding loan must seek the approval of the DCMS before;

(a) Increasing any salaries;

(b) Accepting outside investment or a buyout;

(c) Considering relocation or closure.

(3) The Secretary of State may withdraw financial support from the Club if the Secretary of State finds out that the club in question has:

(a) Misused Funds for non-club related activities and forms of personal spending using public money

(b) Violation of the Rules prescribed by their respective Football League and any other offence committed as defined by law.

Section 5: Extent, commencement, and short title

(1) This Act shall extend to England and Wales.

(2) This Act shall come into force immediately three months after receiving Royal Assent.

(3) This Act may be cited as the Local Football Relief Fund Act of 2020.

This Bill was written by the Rt. Hon /u/ThreeCommasClub, Member for Manchester North on behalf of the LPUK.

This division will end on the 2nd of June at 10pm BST.