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Birmingham Commonwealth Games Bill [Lords] - Sitting 1

17 March 2020

Proposing MP
Siobhain McDonagh Lab
Mitcham and Morden
Type
Public Bill Committee

At a Glance

Issue Summary

The statement discusses the consideration of amendments and new clauses in the Birmingham Commonwealth Games Bill, focusing on the removal of a privilege amendment and the introduction of a local authority levy. The MP discusses environmental concerns related to the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, focusing on the use of diesel buses and the possibility of implementing a hotel levy. The MP is discussing issues related to the Birmingham Commonwealth Games Bill and expressing concerns about transportation, sustainability, and financial contributions. Siobhain McDonagh is addressing the Birmingham Commonwealth Games Bill and discussing a new clause that aims to ensure all staff employed by the Organising Committee or subcontractors are paid the living wage. The statement addresses concerns about gambling advertising during the Commonwealth Games and proposes new legislation to prevent gambling companies from sponsoring or officially supporting the event. The discussion focuses on ensuring free-to-air broadcasting for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games to increase accessibility and participation. The statement discusses the Birmingham Commonwealth Games Bill, focusing on various aspects such as carbon neutrality, living wage, gambling concerns, hotel levies, and grassroots sports participation.

Action Requested

The MP requests that the clause be read a second time to introduce regulations allowing relevant local authorities to charge levies during the Birmingham Commonwealth Games. This includes defining 'relevant local authorities' for each Games location.

Key Facts

  • The privilege amendment in Clause 34 is removed.
  • New Clause 1 introduces a local authority levy on hotel occupancy and short-term rentals during the Games.
  • The Secretary of State must make regulations providing powers for local authorities to charge levies.
  • The Commonwealth Games are scheduled to take place in 2022.
  • Concerns have been raised about National Express potentially using diesel buses instead of electric ones for the carbon-neutral initiative.
  • A new clause proposes a £1 per night room levy, which was not applied during the Olympic games in Stratford.
  • A decision has been taken to use zero-emission vehicles for Sprint, increasing timescales due to additional infrastructure requirements.
  • The organising committee signed up to the UN’s sports for climate action framework for the first time in a Commonwealth games.
  • Birmingham City Council is committed to meeting its financial contribution without requiring a hotel tax.
  • A hotel tax could generate between £4.5 million and £5 million per annum if implemented as a long-term pilot.
  • Full VAT is charged on hotel stays, which is not the case in much of Europe.
  • The hourly living wage for 2020 outside London is £9.30.
  • The hourly living wage for 2020 inside London is £10.75.
  • The Living Wage Foundation determines the living wage for each year after 2020.
  • Gambling advertising during the Commonwealth Games is a concern for MPs.
  • Three sponsors have been announced for Birmingham 2022: WLG Gowling, Gl Group, and Longines.
  • The organising committee will provide regular updates on sponsorship progress.
  • The Government plans to review the Gambling Act to address issues in the digital age.
  • The Commonwealth Games have been listed as a group B event since 1998.
  • Free-to-air channels have successfully bid for live coverage of previous games on Gold Coast and Glasgow, reaching 35 million domestic viewers in total for the Glasgow games.
  • Over one million tickets will be available for Birmingham 2022 across 11 days of elite sport.
  • Importance of carbon-neutral games with focus on transport issues.
  • Introduction of new clause 2 regarding the living wage.
  • Concerns over gambling advertising raised during discussions.
  • Cross-party support for a hotel levy to reduce financial burden on local authorities.
  • Emphasis on free-to-air broadcasting and impact on community cohesion.
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