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 the UK and internationally, with the ability to charge fees for certain advisory services.

Description

The bill's core element is the renaming of the FLA to the SGSA. This change reflects the widened scope of the authority's responsibilities. The SGSA will gain the power to advise government ministers on safety at sports grounds, both generally and in relation to specific legislation (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). The SGSA can also provide safety advice to local authorities and other bodies or individuals in England and Wales, and to bodies or persons outside England and Wales, subject to the Secretary of State's consent and potential fees.

The SGSA will be a body corporate, not an agent of the Crown, composed of a chair and at least four other members, all appointed by the Secretary of State. The bill sets out rules for appointments, tenure, remuneration, and procedures. The SGSA will be responsible for its own accounting and subject to audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General. The bill includes consequential amendments to other legislation to reflect the name change and updated responsibilities of the SGSA, as well as repeals and revocations of outdated or redundant clauses. The bill applies to England and Wales.

Government Spending

The bill stipulates that the expenses of the SGSA will be paid by the Secretary of State. However, the bill also allows the SGSA to charge fees for certain advisory services, which would partially offset these expenses. Specific figures regarding the overall budgetary impact are not provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Sports Grounds: The bill directly impacts sports grounds through the enhanced advisory role of the SGSA, potentially leading to improved safety standards and regulations.
• Local Authorities: Local authorities will benefit from access to the SGSA's expertise for advising on sports ground safety within their jurisdictions.
• Government Ministers: Ministers will receive advice from the SGSA on sports ground safety matters related to their responsibilities.
• Bodies and Persons (UK and International): Organisations and individuals involved in sports ground safety, both within and outside the UK, can seek the SGSA's advice (subject to conditions).
• The SGSA itself: The bill significantly alters the SGSA's mandate, expanding its responsibilities and operational structure.

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