Long term investment in public sport and leisure facilities is
key to supporting efforts to tackle health inequalities exposed
by the pandemic, councils say today.
Ahead of this week’s Spending Review, the LGA is calling for the
Government to invest £875 million in leisure facilities, pitches,
and parks to enable councils to reduce obesity; ensure a
healthier, more active and productive nation in the future;
reduce our carbon footprint; and prepare our communities for the
inspiration provided by the 2022 Commonwealth Games in
Birmingham.
Targeted at those communities most in need of improved services
and based on established environmental design plans, the LGA said
this strategic investment would help build or refurbish 25 new
facilities each year over a three-year period, creating a network
of hubs specifically designed to help people become more active
in their everyday lives.
As leaders of local public health and one of the largest
providers of public facilities, councils are in the prime
position to engage with communities to support residents in their
efforts to exercise and achieve healthier lifestyles.
Research reveals that 86 per cent of residents say they prefer
exercising in a leisure centre, compared to a more informal
environment and 77 per cent said they felt the staff at the
centre gave them the guidance they needed to be more active,
demonstrating the significance of public leisure centres in
supporting the activity levels of residents.
Many public sport and leisure facilities serve communities from
lower socio-economic backgrounds and BAME communities, stepping
in where private operators cannot afford to do so. As a result,
data shows that the more deprived an area is, the more people
prefer exercising in a public leisure centre. Council-run leisure
centres are also vital in supporting grassroots and community
sport clubs through the provision of free or low-cost facilities.
However nearly two thirds of the leisure estate is ageing and
with some leisure providers still facing financial constraints,
many facilities are at risk of closure, with the loss of 2,000
swimming pools predicted by the end of the decade.
Cllr , Chair of the LGA’s
Culture, Tourism and Sport Board, said:
“The provision of affordable public leisure facilities is
essential for levelling up an area and councils want to work with
communities to design the leisure centres, sports pitches, parks
and other infrastructure that will best enable them to build
activity into their lives.
“It cannot be understated the multitude of ways that public sport
and leisure facilities contribute to society, from reducing the
burden on the NHS and social care, improving our mental and
physical health and supporting the ambitions of our sporting
superstars. It’s imperative the upcoming Spending Review
recognises this with vital long-term investment in these
cherished and vital services.”
Notes to Editors
· Moving Communities – Leisure
facility recovery – a strong customer response
· Moving Communities –
Participants from deprived areas show strong return
· Swim England warns almost 2,000
pools could be lost forever by end of decade
