Written question asked by Phyllis Starkey (Labour) on Tuesday, 7 September 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 13 September 2004. It was answered by Richard Caborn (Labour) on Monday, 13 September 2004 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Dept for Culture Media and Sport

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what mechanisms are in place to ensure the allocation of public funds to supporter's trusts by Supporters Direct is transparent, equitable and objective.

Answer: Dr. Starkey: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what mechanisms are in place to ensure the allocation of public funds to supporter's trusts by Supporters Direct is transparent, equitable and objective. [188063] Mr. Caborn: There are strong mechanisms in place to safeguard the allocation of funding to supporters trusts by Supporters Direct. Supporters Direct are regulated by the Financial Services Authority and they evaluate the eligibility of all groups applying for funding according to clear criteria, laid down and enforced by the Supporters Direct Board. Details can be found on the Supporters Direct website at www.supporters-direct.org. All grants to Supporters Direct are capped at a maximum reimbursement of 50 per cent. up to a value of £1,000. This is a one-off payment. All expenditure is documented by receipts. All grants are reported to the Board of Supporters Direct and grants are only made to existing supporters trusts. Supporters Direct are currently audited by Limehouse and Co.

Secondary information