12 Accepted

Access to appropriate, safe, inclusive and affordable sports facilities is closely linked to participation.

Conclusion
Access to appropriate, safe, inclusive and affordable sports facilities is closely linked to participation. Yet while demand, particularly from women and girls, is rising, facility provision is declining due to closures, ageing infrastructure and uneven availability. Smaller sports, grassroots organisations and underserved communities are disproportionately affected and increasingly squeezed out by better‑resourced users. Without sustained capital investment, improved planning and stronger safeguards for inclusive access, participation and equality will continue to erode as councils have to prioritise their statutory obligations. (Conclusion, Paragraph 43)
Government Response Summary
The government agreed on the importance of investing in sport, outlining commitments of £400 million for facilities over four years and Sport England's £250 million investment through 2028, to address concerns about declining facility provision and ensure inclusive access.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government Accepted
We agree that sport and recreation should be seen as an investment into local communities. The New Burdens Doctrine is clear that anything which issues a new expectation on the local government sector (irrespective of whether it is legislation, guidance, or any other changes) should be assessed for new burdens. The Government is committed to reducing the burdens faced by Local Government and as such does not believe a statutory duty is necessary. The Local Outcomes Framework published in February 2026 sets out the priority outcomes delivered at the local level, including measures of physical inactivity in both adults and children. We want to work in partnership with local government and other local partners to reduce physical inactivity. In June last year, we also committed £400 million to transform sports and leisure facilities over the next four years. We are working with national sports organisations and local authorities to deliver capital funding, ensuring that it promotes health, wellbeing and community cohesion. Sport England are also investing £250 million through to 2028 working with 92 Place Partnerships in the top 20% for inactivity, social deprivation, and health inequality. This funding will help bring together local leaders, policy and decision-makers to understand the barriers and issues people face to getting active, therefore co-creating solutions.
Addressee Bodies
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
Timeline
Recommendation age 0.3 yrs
Report published 20 Apr 2026