Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to reduce the restrictions placed on football clubs wishing to upgrade their facilities.

Many clubs choose to upgrade their facilities, or do so to meet league and safety requirements. All facilities for football clubs must meet the requirements prescribed by their league organiser, the relevant football authority, the Sports Ground Safety Authority, the relevant local authority, and legislation. This ensures that facilities, particularly stadia, are appropriate and safe for all. Football clubs may be subject to the same planning restrictions as any other business or community facility.

His Majesty’s Government confirmed in July that Premier League and Championship clubs wishing to introduce licensed ‘safe standing’ areas at football stadia can apply to do so from the beginning of the current season, increasing the range of options football clubs can offer their supporters when considering their facilities.