25 Feb 2016

Local Government Authority calls for more funding to encourage active lifestyles

Local Government Authority calls for more funding to encourage active lifestyles news article image

With one third of all deaths being premature and preventable through lifestyle changes the Local Government Authority (LGA), in a bid to encourage active lifestyles from an early age, wants the Government and Sport England to rebalance future funding arrangements.

Being responsible for public health, local councils say the key to tackle premature death rates is to get people active earlier in life. Councils also point to the fact that most grassroots sports take place in swimming pools, leisure centres and open spaces which are owned or managed by councils. Councils therefore feel funding should be devolved through Sport England to help them encourage people to get active.

The issue is being highlighted at the Local Government Association's two-day annual Culture, Tourism and Sport conference in Leicester. Cllr Ian Stephens, Chairman of the LGA's Culture, Tourism and Sport Board said:

"It is alarming that a third of people die early and many of these deaths from diseases like obesity, liver, heart and respiratory problems could have been prevented had they been able to lead more active lifestyles.

“Councils need the opportunity to spend this sports funding in the most effective way – on the parks, playing fields and facilities where it can best reach the most people to get active and feel healthier.”

This issue has been raised at a time when the LGA has already advised that, with statutory services like adult social care, children's services and waste collection soaking up a bigger proportion of council funding, the money available for other local services, including sport and leisure will potentially shrink by 35 per cent in the next four years.

Latest News

31 Oct 2024

Autumn Budget 2024 – What does it mean for sport and recreation?

On Wednesday 30 October, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves MP delivered her first Budget statement to the House of Commons. Whilst the Budget’s core focus was on a number of key tax rises to fund increased spending on health and education, we look below at some of the measures which will be of interest for Alliance members and the sport and recreation sector.

Read more Arrow Right
31 Oct 2024

A step to “fix the foundations” but sport, recreation and physical activity sector left absent from the role it can play in supporting the economy and the health of the nation

The National Sector Partners Group (NSPG) has issued the following response to the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget 2024.

Read more Arrow Right
28 Oct 2024

Black History Month: A Time for Reflection, Progress, and Future Action

As Black History Month (BHM) comes to a close, the Alliance is proud to have celebrated this with our members and sector leaders who – like us – are seeking to make sport, recreation and physical activity more accessible and equitable for everyone.

Read more Arrow Right

Become a member

Joining the Sport and Recreation Alliance is pretty simple, but worthwhile!

Register now

Our Partners

Admincontrol logoAir IT logoGateley Legal logohelp me Angela logoHowden logoMarsh Sport logoSport:80 logoZellar logo93FT logo