Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Grassroots Sport

Thursday 26 February 2026 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government committed 400 million to support grassroots sports facilities.
  • Initial allocations of the 400 million funding have been announced for grassroots initiatives.
  • The Sport Minister is collaborating with the Ministry of Housing to ensure funding reaches areas needing renovation of swimming pools.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Charlie Dewhirst Con Bridlington and The Wolds
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The question follows a government announcement of £400 million for grassroots sports facilities.

Question

What steps her Department is taking to support grassroots sport, following the recent commitment of £400 million?

Answer from Lisa Nandy

The Government believes in the power of grassroots sport. We recently committed a further £400 million to grassroots sport facilities so that every child and young person have the chance to live out their dreams. This commitment is aimed at ensuring better access to quality sports and physical activities for all.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps being taken by the Department were not detailed, only the overall commitment was stated.

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Q2 Lincoln Jopp Con Spelthorne
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The Member highlights the diverse range of sport facilities and clubs in his constituency, including football teams.

Question

In Spelthorne, there are various sports clubs and schools with successful football teams. What support is available for such grassroots initiatives?

Answer from Lisa Nandy

We have just announced the first allocations of the £400 million invested in grassroots sport. I wish Thamesmead—the teams actually—the best of success in what should be a fantastic competition.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific support for Spelthorne's initiatives was detailed, only a general message of support was given.

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Q3 Charlie Dewhirst Con Bridlington and The Wolds
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

Over 1,600 swimming pools across the country are now more than 40 years old. Previous government commitment of £80 million.

Question

Many swimming pools across the UK are over 40 years old and need renovation. What plans does the Secretary of State have to continue previous commitments?

Answer from Lisa Nandy

The Sport Minister is working closely with her counterpart at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. We have made more funding available but need to ensure it gets to the right places for every child to access good swimming provision locally.

Partly answered

Not addressed: While acknowledging previous commitments, specific plans were not detailed.

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Q4 Louie French Con Old Bexley and Sidcup
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

Team GB's success in the Winter Olympics inspires the next generation. Government's role in ensuring legacy.

Question

What steps is the Secretary of State taking to secure the legacy of Team GB's performance, both for elite and grassroots sports?

Answer from Lisa Nandy

More than 4,000 people have shown interest in skeleton due to Team GB's success. We must bring forward the next generation. Funding and recognising those who help athletes succeed will be key. It is long overdue that our honours system recognises ordinary people in grassroots sport.

Answered
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Q5 Louie French Con Old Bexley and Sidcup
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

Concerns regarding the Government's plans to reduce Sport England's regulatory power, risking concreted over pitches.

Question

Leading sports figures have concerns about reducing Sport England's powers. What action is being taken to address these concerns?

Answer from Lisa Nandy

The Government believes in a more sensible and lighter-touch system. We do not want a reduction in grassroots facilities. The Sport Minister has been working with other Ministers to proceed sensibly, ensuring no reduction in the amount of available facilities.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions addressing concerns were not detailed, only an assurance was given without concrete steps.

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