The Department is displaying an inconsistent approach to its engagement with professional sports. The majority of the Department’s loans to sport bodies went to professional sport. For example, 57% (£124 million) of the Department’s sports loans went to top–tier, professional rugby union clubs in the Premiership Rugby League. The Department insists that these clubs were financially viable when it awarded the loans, despite public reports at the time to the contrary and the subsequent insolven...

The Department is displaying an inconsistent approach to its engagement with professional sports. The majority of the Department’s loans to sport bodies went to professional sport. For example, 57% (£124 million) of the Department’s sports loans went to top–tier, professional rugby union clubs in the Premiership Rugby League. The Department insists that these clubs were financially viable when it awarded the loans, despite public reports at the time to the contrary and the subsequent insolvency of three of the clubs by June 2023, owing the Department £41.6 million. The Department says it took a common approach when lending to borrowers in dif Type: conclusion | Number: 5 | Response status: accepted Government response: The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. department maintains regular communication with its borrowers through its Loan Agents. The department has tailored its approach to different borrowers to reflect their individual circumstances including the siz