Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

National League Football: Covid-19 Support

Thursday 5 November 2020 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Shaun Bailey inquired about the Government's support for National League football clubs affected by covid-19.
  • Shaun Bailey requested assurance for his local football clubs, Tipton Town and Tividale, regarding Government support to prevent closure due to covid-19.
  • Julian Knight mentioned the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee's inquiry into the situation affecting community sport and clubs in leagues below the Premier League.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Shaun Bailey
Business & Trade
Context

The MP is concerned about the financial challenges faced by local football clubs due to the impact of COVID-19, particularly focusing on National League teams.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to support National League football. Our football clubs are the bedrock of their local communities, and it is vital that they are protected from covid-19.

Answer from Oliver Dowden

Our football clubs are the bedrock of their local communities, and it is vital that they are protected from covid-19. Many have benefited from the unprecedented multibillion-pound package of support that we have provided to all businesses across the United Kingdom. In addition, we have brokered a unique £10-million deal with the national lottery so that 66 clubs in the top two levels of the national league can continue to play behind closed doors.

Answered
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Q2 Shaun Bailey
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The MP is concerned about the closure risks faced by smaller football clubs due to financial challenges caused by the pandemic, focusing on specific clubs like Tipton Town and Tividale.

Question

Of course, this is not just about the national league. I am proud to represent two fantastic football clubs, Tipton Town and Tividale, which are at real risk of closure as a result of covid-19. Can my right hon. Friend reassure my clubs that the Government will do whatever they can to support them?

Answer from Oliver Dowden

I would be delighted to visit my hon. Friend's constituency when that is permitted. Of course, I am immensely disappointed by the current situation and the position that we are in, but I know that football clubs large and small make a huge contribution to their community on and off the pitch, and I can assure my hon. Friend that they will not be forgotten.

Partly answered

Not addressed: the specific support for local football clubs such as Tipton Town and Tividale

How: Delighted To Visit

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Q3 Julian Knight Con
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The MP is calling for urgent action from football bodies to resolve financial issues affecting lower-tier clubs, referencing a recent hearing with key stakeholders.

Question

Today, the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee has called before it the English Football League, the Premier League and the Football Association. We want to hear what they are doing in terms of community sport and, crucially, to see whether they can sort out the situation for 10, 12 or 15-year EFL football clubs that are potentially going under and ripping the heart out of our communities.

Answer from Oliver Dowden

I agree with my hon. Friend 100%. I am very disappointed by the current situation and the inability of football to reach that agreement. There is already £50 million on the table for league 1 and league 2 clubs to stop them falling into financial difficulty, which is a good start, and further discussions are taking place.

Partly answered

Not addressed: the specific resolution of disputes within football bodies

How: Disappointed By The Current Situation

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