A statement regarding the rent payments made to Calderdale Council for the use of The Shay has been released by the Halifax Panthers board.
The announcement follows a Freedom of Information request that revealed, as of April 12 of this year, rent arrears for both FC Halifax Town and the Panthers totaled £4,410.88 and £53,512.70, respectively.
The information is released at a time when The Shay’s future is still unclear because Calderdale Council declared at the beginning of the year that they intended to give both clubs daily management of the stadium.
The council stated that by giving up management of the stadium, they would save approximately £160,000 annually as part of their cost-cutting measures.
Due to pitch concerns, FC Halifax Town was also forced to hold their final three home games of the season off-site.
“When the current board of directors took over the club in October 2022, it inherited substantial historical legacy debt and obligations, which since the takeover it has made significant progress in dealing with,” the Panthers said in a statement sent to the Courier.
“We can confirm that, in accordance with council policies, the club has made multiple rental payments over the past 12 months, but these have only been applied to older outstanding invoices that predate the FOI period.
“We would like to reassure supporters that Calderdale Council, who have been extremely understanding and cognizant of the financial difficulties faced by the semi-professional sports arena, has already agreed to a payment rescheduling.
“The Panthers are at the beginning of the 2024 season, with only three home league games being played so far and we look forward to welcoming more fans to the Shay this coming season.”
FC Halifax Town declined to comment when the Courier contacted them.
“We always do everything we can to protect public money, and we continue to work closely with the clubs on the financial arrangements,” stated Ian Day, Director of Public Services at Calderdale Council. We are in constant communication with both clubs regarding all matters pertaining to their use and payment for the pitch because we are aware of the significant contributions they make to the neighbourhood.
