BASC recognises that while the UK economy is in recession some of its members may find themselves in special financial need.

To help people in such circumstances those who can demonstrate entitlement to claim Jobseekers’ Allowance or Pension Credit at the time of their application or renewal of membership may if they so wish have their subscription reduced so that the amount payable is the same as the rate paid by BASC’s Supporters (£30 for 2010/11).  They will continue to enjoy the full rights and benefits of membership including insurance and full advice services.

The following conditions will apply:

• The Jobseekers’ Allowance or Pension Credit entitlement must be current at the date on which their subscription renewal falls due or when their application for membership is made.
   
• Holders of more than one membership will be entitled to the concession for each membership they hold.  Duplicate subscription refunds will be limited to the amount actually paid to BASC and accordingly they will take into account all discounts that have been granted.
   
• In 2010/11, the holders of joint memberships, including Gamekeepers, will be charged:
  • Joint members £54 (£30 + £24 for second joint member)
  • Joint gamekeepers £49 (£30 + £19 for second joint member)
  • Families - £93 (£54 + £39 for all children under 21 – not 18)
  • Gamekeeper families - £88 (£49 + £39 for all children under 21 – not 18)
• these rates will apply if either one of the adults can demonstrate current entitlement to Jobseekers’ Allowance or Pension Credit.
   
• The amounts payable in future years will reflect any changes that are made to the level of other BASC subscription rates.
   
• This concession will not apply to senior citizen or young shot members; the former, who tend to be retired, cannot claim Jobseekers’ Allowance or Pension Credit and the latter already pay a subscription that is lower than that paid by Supporters.
   
• This concession will be unavailable to Trade members.

Entitlement to Jobseekers’ Allowance or Pension Credit is confirmed by way of a letter, a copy of which must be sent to BASC in support of any claim for the BASC Jobseekers’ Concession.

If BASC has any doubts as to the authenticity of the document presented, it reserves the right to request sight of the original (which will be returned by Recorded Delivery) before granting the concession.

The web-site will not be able to process this concession and those who use the telephone hot-line will not be granted their concession until BASC has received the required documentary evidence.

Clubs and syndicates should enclose the required copy benefit letters when they send in the rest of their renewal documentation; by so doing they will be able to reflect the reduced subscription amount in their remittance.

Members who secure a new job will lose the right to this concession when they next renew, however, the concession, once granted, will not be reclaimed by BASC unless the original application proves to have been made fraudulently.

The scheme will be reviewed annually taking into account the prevailing state of the UK economy.