7.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: before Summer 2023 7.2 The government recognises the positive impact that leisure facilities, gyms and sports clubs can have on individuals' physical and mental wellbeing. They also provide vital social spaces and community hubs. 7.3 The government also recognises that the recent rises in cost of living and energy costs is of concern for many clubs and local authorities. In response to this, DCMS have provided support via two schemes which leisure facilities were eligible for. 7.4 In September 2022, the government announced the Energy Bill Relief Scheme (EBRS) which provided £18 billion worth of support for all businesses and other non-domestic energy users. This will then be replaced with the Energy Bills Discount Scheme (EBDS) which will support businesses between April 2023 and March 2024. In addition to these schemes in March 2023 the government announced the £63m Swimming Pool Support Fund (SPSF) that will provide targeted support to leisure centres with swimming pools to help mitigate short term pressures and deliver longer term sustainability through capital investments. 7.5 Through the SPSF, the government will continue to review the condition and financial suitability of the sector and provide targeted support as necessary. DCMS will be able to provide an update on the progress of this work in June 2023. DCMS is also working on the creation of facilities strategy which will outline the government’s vision for the future of these vital assets including to provide guidance to the sector and local partners on the role of this provision, reinforcing the need to join up with the health sector, and encouraging investment in sustainable facilities.