Overview

This bill renames the Football Licensing Authority (FLA) as the Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA) and expands its powers. The SGSA will advise government ministers and other bodies on sports ground safety in England and Wales, and potentially internationally.

Description

The key changes introduced by this bill are:

Name Change and Continued Existence

The Football Licensing Authority is renamed the Sports Grounds Safety Authority. The body itself continues to exist.

Expanded Advisory Role

The SGSA's advisory role expands to include providing advice to ministers on general sports ground safety and the exercise of ministerial functions under several acts including the Safety of Sports Grounds Act 1975, Part 3 of the Fire Safety and Safety of Places of Sport Act 1987, and the Football Spectators Act 1989. It can also advise local authorities and other bodies in England and Wales, and, with consent from the Secretary of State and at the request of the recipient, bodies and persons outside England and Wales.

Funding and Fees

The SGSA's expenses are paid by the Secretary of State. The SGSA may charge fees for advice provided to bodies or persons outside England and Wales, and to those in England and Wales if the advice is requested by the recipient. These fees cannot exceed the cost of the advice.

Authority Structure

The SGSA will be a body corporate, not an agent of the Crown. It will have a chair and at least four, but no more than eight other members appointed by the Secretary of State. The bill details the appointment process, tenure, remuneration, and procedures of the Authority, including conflict of interest provisions. The SGSA can appoint inspectors, officers and employees.

Consequential Amendments

The bill makes consequential amendments to various other Acts to reflect the change in name and expanded role of the SGSA.

Government Spending

The bill states that the expenses of the Sports Grounds Safety Authority will be paid by the Secretary of State. No specific figures are provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Ministers of the Crown: Will receive advice from the SGSA on sports ground safety.
• Local Authorities in England and Wales: Will receive advice from the SGSA on sports ground safety.
• Bodies and persons in England and Wales (excluding Ministers): May receive advice from the SGSA on sports ground safety.
• Bodies and persons outside England and Wales: May receive advice from the SGSA, subject to conditions.
• Sports Grounds and their operators: Will be indirectly affected by the advice and guidance provided by the SGSA impacting safety regulations and standards.
• The Football Licensing Authority staff: Their employment will transition to the Sports Grounds Safety Authority.

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