Sports minister Hugh Robertson has revealed that the Central Council of Physical Recreation (CCPR) is to review its voluntary broadcasting code in a bid to boost grassroots sports.

Under the current terms of the code, national governing bodies (NGBs) agree to reinvest a minimum of 5 per cent of revenues gained from the sale of broadcast television rights for major events. However, Robertson believes the code should be changed so that NGBs - including the Football Association and the England and Wales Cricket Board -reinvest a minimum of 30 per cent in community sports.

While the review will focus on the contribution of NGBs, other signatories including the Premier League and golf's PGA European Tour will also be given consideration in a bid to further boost grassroots. Robertson said: "I have asked the CCPR to undertake this review as part of my drive to extend the opportunities through sport to the maximum number of people. While 30 per cent may sound ambitious I am optimistic that this can be achieved.

"National governing bodies have a duty to ensure that they have the strongest community structure possible. A thriving grassroots is only going to help the sport at the top end." CCPR chief executive Tim Lamb added: "The voluntary code of conduct already ensures that tens of millions of pounds are returned to grassroots sports each year. That makes possible all kinds of community programmes which wouldn't otherwise happen.

"All signatories reinvest significantly more than 5 per cent, but a potential increase to 30 per cent would provide even more of a cast-iron guarantee for grassroots sport."