Any new owner of Wembley Stadium should “pay their way” when it comes to business rates, according to a Brent councillor.

Cllr Matt Kelcher, who chairs the council’s resources and public realm scrutiny committee, said any prospective buyer must contribute to public services.

He pointed out that the Football Association (FA) had its business rates reduced by the valuation office on two occasions.

And now he is campaigning to ensure the same thing does not happen again if the national stadium changes hands.

“The [FA] reductions meant that over ten years the stadium owners saved an incredible £36.5 million on their business rates bill, money which otherwise would have gone to pay for public services,”

“Whilst the stadium was run by a not for profit trust, this could probably just about be excused.

“However, if the stadium is transferred to a private American company, who will seek to generate as much profit as possible from it, these reductions really must end.

“This is particularly important now the business rates are pooled across London to pay for local services.

“Many residents in Brent are inconvenienced when there are events at Wembley, so it’s only fair they benefit as fully as possible from the business generated by the stadium.”

He added that, in March last year, the council approved an increase to the number of full capacity events at the ground, which would give any new owner the opportunity to generate even more cash.

Cllr Kelcher’s comments come after the council leader, Cllr Muhammed Butt, said a buyer would have to commit to working with the council to protect the public’s needs.

In May, the FA said it received a bid for Wembley and it was reported that American tycoon Shahid Khan – who owns Fulham Football Club – had offered £600 million.

The billionaire has previously stated that the sale would be a good move for all involved.