The sport, recreation and physical activity sector calls for a clear vision from the Government as the Spending Review signals commitment to national health and growth.

The National Sector Partners Group has issued a joint statement following the announcement of the Government’s Comprehensive Spending Review today (11 June)

We welcome the Chancellor’s recognition in the Spending Review that there can be no growth without health and our sector is ready to play a crucial role in the nation’s renewal – maximising its contribution to Government missions on economic growth, health and opportunity for young people.

We now await the precise details around funding for sport, recreation and physical activity, and we stand ready to work with the Government to advise on where best to invest in community provision.

The economic reality facing the Chancellor is reflected in today’s settlement. However, we believe now is the time to invest in our sector to reap the major health, economic and social returns of getting more people physically active, when the need and demand for our services have never been greater.

We welcome a number of the commitments set out in today’s announcement to invest in community sports facilities and programmes. However, it is important this forms part of a compelling Government vision to maximise the full potential of sport, recreation, and physical activity in this parliament that is developed with our organisations.

The Government’s vision must include tangible plans to:

• Improve the health and happiness of young people through a new national plan for children's physical activity including PE, sport and play.

• Foster the growth and renewal of sustainable and energy-efficient community sports facilities by prioritising them in planning and infrastructure decisions, while supporting new streams of investment.

• Drive agile skills and workforce policies to harness the potential the sector has to address economic inactivity, especially among young people.

• Fully integrate our sector with the NHS to support people with long-term health conditions, including musculoskeletal conditions, cancer, cardiorespiratory diseases and obesity, as well as mental health issues. 

• Recognise the role that sport can play in delivering a range of social outcomes across the government-stated missions, engaging with underserved communities to create opportunities for people to be physically active in ways that work for them.

Sport, recreation, and physical activity can serve as a powerful engine for sustained economic growth by improving the nation’s health, fostering innovation, generating employment, attracting investment and improving well-being across all ages.

This is a golden opportunity for the Government to recognise public demand and the sector’s potential, and work with us to build a healthier, happier, stronger Britain.

Huw Edwards, CEO of ukactive, the UK’s trade body for the physical activity sector, said: “The Chancellor’s message that there is no strong economy without a strong NHS reinforces our shared mission with the Government. 

“The physical activity sector has an essential role to play in our nation’s renewal, given its importance in the fabric of our communities, the prevention of poor physical and mental health, and maintaining a productive workforce.

“Gyms, pools and leisure centres represent the engine room for physical activity in the UK, driven by a growing public demand for their services and we await details of how the settlements announced today will help to grow our sector’s facilities and services so that everyone can benefit.

“It is vital the Government now works with ukactive and our sector partners to deliver a clear vision and strategy that maximises its investment in community provision and unlocks the full potential of our members.” 

Andy Taylor, CEO of the Active Partnerships National Organisation, said: "The Chancellor highlighted today that there is no strong economy without a strong NHS and we believe there is no strong NHS without the sport and physical activity sector.

"Our sector has a critical role to play in the prevention agenda, as movement and physical activity help to prevent illness and manage long-term health conditions, therefore easing the strain on the NHS. 

"We were also pleased to hear about the Government's plans for renewing pride in communities, including through improvements to parks and leisure facilities.” 

"Our network of 42 Active Partnerships stands ready to support the Government and work with partners to ensure that communities can cocreate these improved spaces and facilities to match local people's specific activity needs.”

Tara Dillon, CEO of CIMSPA, the UK’s professional development body for sport and physical activity said: “It’s encouraging to see the government’s commitment to investing in our young people through increased funding for skills and education.

“Sport and physical activity is a foundational sector that underpins growth across the economy. Our sector is bursting with highly skilled and innovative professionals who are passionate about helping our communities lead healthier lives.

“The impact that our sector has is immeasurable; our hardworking professionals play a crucial role in the prevention of chronic conditions that can create a barrier to work. Dedicated sport, physical activity and active wellbeing professionals with specialist skills and knowledge are integral to helping more people return to work and becoming economically inactive.

“This Spending Review gives the government a real opportunity to work collaboratively with our sector to recognise the impact that it can have on our economy and local communities with suitable investment into starting careers in sport and physical activity and furthering our workforce’s professional development.”