Gyms and leisure centres are able to reopen today, but many face
an uncertain future as latest figures reveal the significant
financial impact of the coronavirus crisis.
Since the start of the lockdown, leisure services have
suffered an overall £180 million financial hit, compared with the
same period last year (March to July)
Many anticipate further cash losses as a result of
cancelled memberships and falling demand and reduced capacity to
run services in the months ahead.
It is expected the sector will lose around £305 million
this year – without additional help, many leisure centres are at
risk of going bust.
The District Councils’ Network, which represents 187
district councils in England that provide leisure services, is
calling on the Treasury to provide a rescue package to save
leisure centres from collapse.
Just recently, ukactive and Community Leisure UK warned
that nearly half of all public leisure facilities in the UK face
permanent closure by the end of the year, unless local
authorities receive urgent ring-fenced funding from the
Government.
The DCN says leisure centres have a fundamental role to
play in the national recovery from the pandemic, by improving
physical and mental health and tackling health
inequalities.
Sport and leisure will be critical to improving the health
of people of all ages and from all backgrounds and keeping people
out of overstretched and expensive NHS and social care
services.
Investing in leisure centres will also deliver greater
returns in the long term, with the King’s Fund finding that
district council leisure services and green spaces create up to
£23 in value for every £1 invested.
Cllr Dan Humphreys, DCN lead member for enhancing quality
of life, said:
“It is great that gyms and leisure centres are able to
reopen today – with safety for staff and users paramount.
“But they open on the brink, their income has plummeted
over the lockdown and many face an uncertain future.
“This is why it is absolutely critical the Treasury comes
up with a rescue package for leisure centres yet to receive
financial support.
“The national recovery from coronavirus will need places
like leisure centres, gyms and swimming pools to remain open and
survive, so as to help improve the physical and mental health of
people of all ages.”
NOTES TO EDITORS
ukactive and Community Leisure UK call for urgent support
to stop half of all public facilities disappearing by Christmas -
https://www.ukactive.com/news/ukactive-and-community-leisure-uk-call-for-urgent-support-to-stop-half-of-all-public-facilities-disappearing-by-christmas/
