Sport, recreation and physical activity sector warns Government not to hamper health and growth.

Today’s Spring Statement from Rachel Reeves has highlighted the challenges facing the UK economy. The implications of this statement will be felt across most government departments, with reduced budgets being an expected reality of the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR), which is due to be announced in June.  

The outcome of the CSR will be pivotal for sport, recreation and physical activity in the UK, serving as an indication of how the sector’s impact and potential are valued by the Government and how this translates into support across the rest of this parliament.  

As industry leaders, we are united in our belief that increasing participation in sport, recreation and physical activity is a solution to many of the issues in the Government’s in-tray, from driving economic growth and employment to strengthening the connectivity within our communities, taking pressure off the NHS, and supporting the health and happiness of children and young people. The growth and development of this sector are inextricably linked to improving the health and well-being of the nation, and in doing so making Britain stronger both economically and socially.  

However, from 1 April many parts of the sector will be impacted by the decisions on national insurance contributions (NICs) and business rates that will suppress the sector’s growth by increasing the likelihood of redundancies andrecruitment freezes, and the contraction of essential programmes and services in communities.  

The Government should not compound this further by producing a CSR that weakens our sector through both reduced investment and focus but should instead protect key funding and investment into sport, recreation and physical activity.'. The Chancellor’s statement in June provides an opportunity to acknowledge this sector as integral to the Government’s plans for national renewal, with the awareness that a weakened sport, recreation and physical activity sector will lead to a weakened Britain.

Huw Edwards, CEO of ukactive, said: “We know the Spring Statement comes at a challenging time for the nation’s economy, and we recognise the necessity of ensuring financial stability. However, undercutting physical activity will have precisely the opposite effect in the medium- to long term.  

“Our gyms, pools and leisure centres are the engine room of physical activity in the UK, playing a critical role in the health of the nation through prevention and treatment, helping people back into the workforce and reducing the pressure on the NHS. 

“However, measures taken by the Government, such as national insurance increases, pose significant challenges to our sector, hampering growth plans and reducing the positive impact our facilities can have. The Government must work together with our sector to mitigate the impact of these and ensure physical activity is placed at the heart of the strategy to create a healthier, happier and stronger nation.” 

About the National Sector Partners Group   

*The NSPG is formed of: 

Active Partnerships 

The Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) 

The Sport for Development Coalition 

The Sport and Recreation Alliance 

ukactive 

The Youth Sport Trust. 

Through our collaborative work as sector partners, we aim to engage decision makers to improve the operating landscape for the sector and embed sport, recreation and physical activity as a key contributor to wider public policy objectives.