Pigeon rates to be reconsidered

Pigeon fancying is a popular world-wide pastime

The government has pledged to reconsider the imposition of business rates on pigeon racing clubs.

The promise came after an address to the House of Commons by Conservative MP Richard Ottaway.

Because pigeon racing is not classed as an actual sport, unlike yoga and arm-wrestling, it may be subject to a HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) levy.

Communities Secretary Hazel Blears said she would "look at the rules for the business rates".

Mr Ottaway said: "This is a magnificent sport, with a winner of the Pau Grand National - a bird called Pauline - coming from my constituency.

"As horseracing and polo is exempt, will you join with me in the campaign to fight the pigeon tax?" he asked Ms Blears.

Ms Blears smiled as she told MPs: "I can tell you that the very first Labour Party meeting I ever went to many, many years ago was in the back room of a pub called the Dungeon Inn.

"As I sat down in my seat with six men with flat caps, feathers rise up from either side of me and then I found out that on a Tuesday evening the pigeon club met in the same pub.

"So I am very tempted to join you and I will look at the rules for the business rates and see if perhaps we might get together with Pauline and get something - maybe a campaign that really will fly."

Under proposals to introduce rates on sports clubs and village halls, groups can formally apply for dispensation from HMRC for 80% relief and then to their local authority for a 20% reduction.

The Queen is patron of the Royal Pigeon Racing Association (RPRA).