Recommendation 1

The evidence shows that funding community sport and physical activity is an investment with high returns, including savings on healthcare costs, productivity gains, and wider wellbeing benefits. The consequences of under‑investment are costly. Ageing infrastructure, higher operating costs, and reduced access lead to facility closures, lost participation, and increased pressure on health and social care budgets. While the Government’s £400 million will help, further action is needed if we are to keep pace with other European countries. (Conclusion, Paragraph 11)