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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

Rossendale and Darwen
Opened the debate
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.

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.