Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Community Sport Facilities

04 March 2025 · 4 other contributors · 5,051 words

Opened by Andy MacNae Lab Rossendale and Darwen

Responding minister: Stephanie Peacock

EconomyCommunity SecurityCulture, Media & Sport

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Andy MacNae raised concerns about community sport facilities in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Local leisure provision has been disproportionately affected by austerity measures, particularly in smaller local authorities.
  • Young people in small towns feel left behind due to insufficient sports facilities and funding.
  • The Government aims to align funding with need, opportunity, and impact to ensure accessible and effective community sports facilities.

Key requests to Government

The Government should align funding with need, opportunity, and impact to ensure community sports facilities are accessible and effective in driving economic growth and improving health outcomes.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Andy MacNae Lab Rossendale and Darwen

Local leisure provision has been disproportionately hit by austerity, especially in smaller local authorities. Young people in small towns feel left behind due to lack of facilities and funding.

Other contributors (4)
  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Asked if access to sporting facilities could reduce obesity and highlighted the importance of connectivity and accessibility for young people.

  • Sarah Hall Lab/Co-op Warrington South

    Communities know best what works for local sports facilities and empowering them can be hugely beneficial. Community asset transfers offer a real opportunity for grassroots clubs to enhance community facilities.

  • Jeremy Wright Con Epsom and Ewell

    Thanked the Minister for working a double shift this morning.

  • The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health Olivia Bailey

    The Minister acknowledged the challenges faced by local authorities and highlighted government actions to address them. She mentioned a real-terms increase in core spending power of about 3.2%.

Government Response

Stephanie Peacock

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport

The Government is committed to ensuring access to high-quality community sports facilities across the country. This includes investment in facilities that support local communities in participating in sport and physical activity, as well as a review of the school curriculum to consider the future of physical education and school sport. The Minister highlighted initiatives like the FA’s campaign to empower girls in schools and noted the role of public leisure sector in delivering sport, addressing health inequalities, combating loneliness, and growing local economies. The Government recognise the challenges faced by local authorities and have taken action to ensure that funding goes to areas in greatest need, with a real-terms increase in core spending power. Sport England has invested over £250 million annually into deprived areas, generating significant economic benefits. The multi-sport grassroots facilities programme has invested £123 million this year to prioritise areas needing it most. Volunteers are vital for community sport and health, contributing significantly to society. Co-location of services between health and leisure sectors is encouraged to improve accessibility and support inactive groups.

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