House of Commons · General Debate
30 June 2026 · 15 other contributors
Opened by Caroline Dinenage Con Gosport
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Caroline Dinenage raised concerns about estimates day - [2nd allotted day]estimates day in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The Government's response to the Select Committee’s “Game On” report acknowledged the importance of physical activity but failed to deliver on its promises due to a lack of funding and clear action. The report called for significant investment in sport and recreation, which is critical for health, prosperity, social cohesion, economic growth, and reducing illness. However, the Government's response has been filled with rhetoric without substantive measures.
The Government announced £1 billion for school sport but this funding is a cut disguised as new investment, resulting in cuts to coaching staff in schools. The Committee also recommended an audit of sports facilities and clarity on leadership, accountability, and deliverability, which the Government has not yet provided. There is no requirement for children to achieve 60 minutes of daily activity or two hours of weekly PE, despite its importance.
Young people need decent access to youth services and sporting activities as they are integral to their future development. Decent access can help reduce youth unemployment linked to social and economic inequality. The boxing club in her constituency, Double Jab, offers mentorship alongside sports training, improving various outcomes for young people. Government must go further with its ambitions by implementing a cross-departmental strategy focused on the right outcomes for young people.
Discussed the importance of art in improving young people's mental health and reducing ill health costs. Cited a report showing that arts interventions return £8.56 for every £1 spent, with benefits including increased student resilience and reduced GP attendance.
Questioned the current approach to prevention spending and called for a coordinated body to oversee sport and physical activity funding. Emphasised the need for parity between pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions, and highlighted the missed opportunity in judging schools on PE quality.
Highlighted the benefits of sports participation at all ages and criticised cuts to funding such as the schools PE and sport premium. Called for a cross-Government approach to movement for health, referencing the 'Game On' report.
Stressed the importance of disability sports and the challenges faced by those with disabilities in accessing venues and support. Advocated for addressing accessibility issues at a national level, citing personal experiences from events like TagFest.
Emphasises the importance of investment in grassroots sports such as the £400 million commitment from the Government to deliver new facilities. He notes that every £1 spent on community sport generates over £4 for the economy and society, promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Argues against the prevalence of 'no ball games' signs in communities and calls for their removal to encourage outdoor play among children. He highlights the closure of playgrounds due to austerity measures and the need for national leadership to enforce such changes.
Highlights the importance of youth services in supporting young people's development, drawing from her personal experience with her son who found confidence through wrestling. She welcomes the Government’s national youth strategy but expresses disappointment that Portsmouth is not due to receive a Young Futures hub.
I congratulate the hon. Member for Gosport and members of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee on securing this estimates debate. I thank them for their efforts in scrutinising the work of this Government and shining a light on the issues that matter. DCMS brings joy to people’s lives while focusing on driving growth, fostering civic pride, and supporting world-class sectors. From sport to arts, media, and heritage, culture binds social infrastructure, reaching every part of the country regardless of postcode or background. The debate centres on sport and youth, with major sporting events fostering national pride and economic growth. Over £500 million is invested in hosting Euro 2028, Tour de France, and Tour de France Femmes, predicted to deliver £3.2 billion in socioeconomic benefits. The Government are investing at least £400 million in community sports facilities over the next four years to keep the UK at the top of global event hosting pipeline, inspiring the next generation to get active. This financial year, we are delivering £85 million via the multi-sports grassroots facilities programme, prioritising 30% most deprived areas and offering multi-sport access. Over £1 billion will be invested in school sport over the next three years through a new physical education and school sport partnership network that replaces the old PE and sport premium model to meet clear asks of leading voices in sports education.
Commends the investment announced by the Minister. In Dewsbury, our leisure centre and swimming pool were closed in September 2023 without repairs or survey. Asks the Minister to meet him to discuss reopening them with some of the £400 million for community sports facilities.
Asks the Minister if, when added up, this equates to an increase or a cut in total school spending compared to previous periods. Suggests that there have been cuts to school sports funding.
Reiterates the question: is £1 billion over three years more or less than comparable funding for a previous period starting just before mid-2024?
Clarifies that the previous PE and sport premium was only for primary schools. Asks if the new funding is spread across primary and secondary schools, leading to less money per school, and how this will help meet the chief medical officer’s targets.
Responds to points of order stating that the Government are investing £1 billion over three years for PE and school sport funding. Acknowledges changes in the system, including capital and revenue spending for primary and secondary schools.