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.
The Sport and Recreation Alliance and the physical activity sector have published an open letter to the Government on the impact of Pathways to Work on disabled people and activity levels across the UK.
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