News

The new report, Securing the Future of Public Sport and Leisure Services published in partnership with the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) and Chief Cultural and Leisure Officers Association (CLOA) evaluates the current state of public sport and leisure services and sets out recommendations to ensure the survival and development of the sector.  Councils are currently the biggest investor in sport, leisure, parks and green spaces, spending £1.1 billion per year in England. They are unique in what they offer for communities, providing lifelong opportunities for all to be

"The Spending Review must set out how immediate and short-term pressures in social care will be addressed, working with councils, care workers and those with lived experience to build back better and help develop a care and support system fit for the future"

The Government's social care announcement is an important 'first step', but further clarity is needed on a range of additional crucial issues. In the coming weeks, government needs to work with councils, their partners and those with lived experience, in order to develop a care and support system which is fit for the future.

"Suicide prevention is a public health priority for local government and every council has a suicide prevention plan in place."

Investment in sport and leisure facilities, from financial support, to strategic partnership working between central and local government and community organisations is essential in increasing the development of young people, preparing them with vital life skills and healthy habits.

"Every death to drug misuse is a tragedy and councils are absolutely determined to ensure vulnerable people have the right support and treatment, despite the ongoing pressures of the pandemic, as part of their public health and wider responsibilities."

As pupils have broken up from school, 119,830 children in England will be living in temporary accommodation during the end-of-year break, according to latest government figures.

“Councils are at the heart of promoting and enabling more sustainable local journeys, and more government support for cycle lanes and new Highway Code guidance to make it safer on the roads will help us deliver safer cycling options to get more people on their bikes."

"This report rightly recognises that local government is at the forefront of providing facilities, supporting both formal and informal opportunities for activities, and accessible to all members of the community."

“The forthcoming Spending Review is an opportunity to ensure that councils have the necessary funding to achieve real and lasting change for disabled people."