Source · Select Committees · Culture, Media and Sport Committee
First Report - Safety at major sporting events
Culture, Media and Sport Committee
HC 174
Published 29 December 2023
Recommendations
5
Deferred
Para 36
Work with football authorities on fairer distribution of policing Zone Ex costs.
Recommendation
We recommend that the Government work with football authorities on fairer distribution the cost of policing Zone Ex. This should include consideration of mandatory contributions from leagues or clubs.
Government Response Summary
The government's response describes the function of the National Football Information Point (NFIP) and its role in intelligence sharing to prevent crime and disorder, but it does not address the recommendation regarding fairer cost distribution for policing Zone Ex or mandatory contributions from football authorities.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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10
Deferred
Para 53
Consult other major sporting bodies and fan groups on alcohol's role at all events
Recommendation
As part of its review into the Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc) Act 1985, we recommend that the Government should consult with representatives of other major sporting bodies and fan groups beyond football to examine the role of alcohol …
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Government Response Summary
The government's response discusses the inability of police forces to recover the full cost of policing football matches due to the Ipswich ruling and the need for primary legislation, rather than addressing the recommendation to consult on alcohol's role at sporting events.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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21
Deferred
Encourage further safe standing pilots by willing clubs meeting stewarding and SGSA criteria.
Recommendation
As long as football clubs can prove that they have a comprehensive stewarding plan for safe standing and follow the licenced standing criteria from the SGSA, we recommend that further pilots by willing clubs should be encouraged. (Paragraph 97) Safety …
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Government Response Summary
The government's response details the November 2022 addition of Class A drug offences to the Football Banning Order regime and explains the purpose of FBOs, completely failing to address the recommendation regarding safe standing pilots.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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23
Deferred
Update SGSA Green Guide to require better accessibility and inclusion in stadium design.
Recommendation
The Sports Ground Safety Authority, as the safety regulator of sports grounds in the UK, must do more promote the widening of accessibility and inclusion in stadium design. The SGSA’s current Green Guide, does not fairly promote accessibility and inclusion …
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Government Response Summary
The government stated that any changes to the Green Guide or its update schedule, including promoting accessibility in stadium design, are matters for the Sports Ground Safety Authority (SGSA).
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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Conclusions (3)
11
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 54
The Government’s alcohol sale pilots should be undertaken alongside our recommended improved reporting of hate crime and antisocial behaviour at matches to ensure that the impacts are fully understood before any further decisions are taken on alcohol sales. It should take note of the reduced risk of alcohol-related disorder at …
Government Response Summary
The government's response discusses the inability of police forces to recover the full cost of policing football matches and the legislative changes required for full cost recovery, which does not address the committee's conclusion about alcohol sale pilots, improved reporting, or the risks at smaller events.
12
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 63
The increasing use of Class A drugs at sporting events is something that police and clubs should both be taking more seriously. Although a direct link between drug use and violence has not been proven, widespread drug taking is anti-social and undermines football’s accessibility. We welcome the use of Football …
Government Response Summary
The government's response discusses the inability of police forces to recover the full cost of policing football matches and the legislative changes required for full cost recovery, which does not address the committee's conclusion regarding increasing Class A drug use at sporting events or their deterrence.
22
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 103
Poor stadium design raises fundamental issues around equality, diversity and inclusion that are not being fulfilled to an acceptable level by the design of spaces intended for use by fans. Being unable to accommodate women and disabled fans in an appropriate way sends the message that they are not welcome …
Government Response Summary
The government's response is irrelevant to the committee's conclusion on stadium design and accessibility for women and disabled fans, discussing drug offences and Football Banning Orders instead.