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"Councils recognise the tremendous role that culture and heritage plays in helping to create places where people want to live, work and visit. “While today’s announcement is helpful, further funding would genuinely make a difference in creating culture-led, place-based development in communities. "Local authorities, alongside Arts Council England, are this country’s biggest public sector investors in culture. "Despite significant reductions in central government funding, councils have adopted innovative ways of supporting and boosting culture and heritage. This includes setting up trusts to

"Councils want to protect and maintain the live music venues in their communities and this much-needed update to the planning rules will help achieve a fair and balanced solution between the obligations of housing developers and protecting our vital grassroots music scene."

Leisure centres could fall into a state of disrepair and even be forced to close without urgent new investment from government, councils warn today.

“To mark the day, councils are encouraging residents to cycle by promoting cycling proficiency tests and bike safety awareness campaigns, providing dedicated on-road cycle paths, installing secure cycle parking on high streets and supporting bike sharing schemes."

"It is vital that the forthcoming Spending Review recognises the importance of grassroots football and ensures that councils are properly funded to meet the needs of their residents."

“Access to natural spaces has a range of benefits to the community and councils are using parks to promote health and fitness, local heritage, public art, festivals and wildlife walks."

Councils are full of ideas to support people to be active, including holistic approaches such as planning and designing our areas to make them easier to navigate on foot or by bike, for example, instead of just expecting our residents to attend leisure centres and gyms.

"From music festivals and art trails to museums and theatres, we are extremely proud of our local and national heritage which attracts millions of visitors to our communities throughout the country."

"Councils are extremely proud of our national museums, which serve a key role in the growth of tourism throughout the country. "

Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson, Chair of the LGA’s Culture, Tourism and Sport Board, responds to the NICE draft quality standard for encouraging physical activity.