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Community Sport Facilities
04 March 2025
Lead MP
Andy MacNae
Rossendale and Darwen
Lab
Responding Minister
Stephanie Peacock
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Word Count: 5051
Other Contributors: 4
At a Glance
Andy MacNae raised concerns about community sport facilities in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
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:
Lead Contributor
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.
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
Government Response
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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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.