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Overview

The Birmingham Commonwealth Games Bill [HL] aims to ensure the smooth running of the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, covering aspects from financial support for the organising committee to measures against ticket touting and unauthorised commercial exploitation of the Games.

Description

The bill is divided into five parts. Part 1 concerns the Organising Committee, allowing the Secretary of State to provide financial assistance (grants, loans, etc.) and mandating annual reporting on progress, accessibility, sustainability, and maximizing benefits from the Games. Part 2 addresses unauthorized association with the Games, prohibiting the use of representations suggesting a connection without authorization from the Organising Committee. Exceptions are made for intellectual property rights, continuous use before a certain date, and fair use. The Organising Committee has powers to enforce this. Part 3 focuses on offences related to ticket touting (including outside the UK), advertising and trading near Games locations during specified periods. Authorisations can be granted to permit these activities. Enforcement is handled by local weights and measures authorities (England) and the Department for the Economy (Northern Ireland). Part 4 deals with transport planning, allowing the Secretary of State to direct local authorities to create Games transport plans and temporarily restrict road usage for Games-related purposes. Part 5 covers final provisions like transitional regulations, the extent of the bill’s application (primarily England and Wales), commencement and duration of different sections.

Government Spending

The bill allows for government financial assistance to the Organising Committee, although specific figures are not provided in the text. The potential financial commitment is significant given the scale of the Games, and the Secretary of State has the power to provide grants, loans, guarantees or indemnities.

Groups Affected

The bill potentially impacts several groups:
•The Organising Committee: Receives financial support and regulatory powers.
•Businesses: Face restrictions on using Games-related imagery and are subject to regulations about advertising and trading near Games venues. Those granted authorisations are less affected.
•Ticket touts: Face criminal penalties.
•Local authorities: Involved in transport planning and enforcement.
•Individuals: May experience transport disruptions due to road closures and restrictions, and individuals who engage in prohibited activities face penalties.
•Disabled people: The bill mandates that the Organising Committee report on measures taken to ensure Games events are accessible to them.