Overview

This bill changes the name of the Football Licensing Authority to the Sports Grounds Safety Authority and expands its powers. The expanded authority will provide advice on sports ground safety to various bodies and persons in the UK and internationally, subject to certain conditions and with potential fees for services rendered.

Description

The bill primarily renames the Football Licensing Authority (FLA) to the Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA). The SGSA will continue to exist and its expenses will be covered by the Secretary of State. The bill significantly broadens the SGSA's role by empowering it to advise:

• Ministers of the Crown on sports ground safety and the exercise of their functions under relevant Acts (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).
• Local authorities and other bodies/persons in England and Wales on sports ground safety (excluding Ministers of the Crown and bodies specified in section 4).
• Bodies/persons outside England and Wales on sports ground safety, subject to the request of the body/person and consent from the Secretary of State.

The SGSA may charge fees for advice provided under certain conditions, with fees limited to the cost of providing the advice. The bill includes provisions defining the SGSA's corporate status, membership, appointment procedures, remuneration, operational procedures, accounting and auditing processes.

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 for the anticipated costs.

Groups Affected

• Sports Grounds Safety Authority: The bill significantly expands the authority's responsibilities and powers.
• Ministers of the Crown: They will receive advice from the SGSA on sports ground safety and related matters.
• Local Authorities (England and Wales): They will be able to receive advice from the SGSA.
• Other Bodies/Persons (England and Wales and internationally): They may be able to access advice from the SGSA subject to conditions.
• Government of Territories Outside the UK and International Organisations: May receive advice upon request and with consent from the Secretary of State (fees may apply).

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