PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
SCOUT AND GUIDE DON'T RAISE OUR RENTS CAMPAIGN (9 March 2011)

That this House recognises the contribution of voluntary organisations such as the Scout Association and Girlguiding UK to the fabric of civic society; also notes the vital work they do with a million young people in the UK and the role of adult volunteers who support the movements; is deeply concerned that some local authorities plan to significantly increase ground rents and/or remove the discretionary rate relief on premises used by scout and guide groups; is further concerned that as a result of these increases groups will be forced to close or significantly scale back their activities; regrets the significant impact this would have on young people, particularly at a time of cuts to youth services; applauds the scouts' and guides' Don't Raise our Rents! campaign to protect groups from exorbitant increases in ground rents and the impact of the loss of discretionary rate relief; and calls on allhon. and right hon. Members to support the campaign and work with groups to protect scout and guide groups to convince councils that using such voluntary organisations for raising revenue is detrimental to young people and the communities they serve.