Source · Select Committees · Culture, Media and Sport Committee
Recommendation 34
34
Accepted
We recommend that the Government should provide national funding and guidance to enable local authorities,...
Recommendation
We recommend that the Government should provide national funding and guidance to enable local authorities, clubs and community organisations to expand inclusive initiatives, (such as Play Streets, walking sports and evidence‑backed programmes like Big Sister), prioritising those that engage older generations, disadvantaged groups and young people with limited support networks. (Recommendation, Paragraph 109) 56
Government response summary AI-generated
The government states local authorities receive core funding via the Public Health Grant to fund relevant services and highlights Sport England's existing strategy to increase participation for under-represented groups and its Buddle website for guidance.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government · verbatim extract
Accepted
The Government shares the Committee’s ambition to expand inclusive physical activity initiatives, prioritising those who face the greatest barriers to participation. Local authorities are provided with core funding to fulfil their public health responsibilities through the Public Health Grant, which funds a range of health improvement services, such as physical activity and weight management. Where appropriate, this could include funding community organisations that provide accessible opportunities for people to increase their activity levels. Local authorities are responsible for deciding how best to allocate their funding, including the public health grant, to improve the health of their population and fulfil their public health responsibilities. Sport England’s ten year strategy ‘Uniting the Movement’ reinforces their commitment to increasing participation in sport and physical activity for those from under-represented groups, including disabled people. They have ensured that each of their programmes impact directly on disabled people, alongside initiatives like the ‘We are Undefeatable’ campaign, and partnerships with Disability Rights UK, Activity Alliance, Aspire, Sense, International Mixed Ability Sport. Sport England’s Buddle website provides information, guidance and resources for community sports clubs and groups. This includes information on engaging different groups and people, including individuals with long-term health conditions, those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, disabled people, and people with Special Educational Needs (SEN). 7 Sport England’s Movement Fund provides crowdfunding pledges, grants, and expert advice to community groups and clubs to help successful projects that support people to get active. The Movement Fund can award anywhere between £300-£15,000 to successful projects and can cover a variety of costs for projects, including refurbishing or upgrading facilities, purchasing equipment, paying coaches, facility hire and volunteer expenses. 50% of Movement Fund awards (29 April - 5 May 2026) have gone to areas in the top 25% places of greatest need.
Read the full response on Parliament ↗