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“Our public parks and green spaces are some of our most cherished local services that benefit people of all ages and backgrounds, and as one of the largest providers of these facilities councils are committed to ensuring these spaces continue to be accessible for everyone.”

Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson, Chair of the LGA’s Culture, Tourism and Sport Board, responds to the Public Accounts Committee report on the Culture Recovery Fund.

“Leisure centres play a key role in supporting the recovery of the nation; enabling active lives and tackling health inequalities through the provision of safe, low cost facilities.”

This report recognises the critical importance of a place-based approach to supporting communities to be active.

"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."

“This is an exciting implementation plan that will enable people to return to the activities they most enjoy while partners and providers receive the necessary support to rebuild from the pandemic."

Leisure centres need sustainable, multi-year investment to offer an efficient and valuable service to communities and strengthen the nation's health.

This is an exciting plan that will enable the right support and funding to be directed to places that need it most, in a collaborative and targeted way. This includes opening up funding opportunities for small community organisations which often play a vital role within their communities.

Local government plays a critical role in delivering sport and fitness activities and maintaining the UK’s leisure infrastructure. It is fantastic to see so many places reopening and welcoming back their communities.

“Councils are working hard to try and ensure sport and leisure facilities are available once national restrictions are eased and will have a key role to play in realising this Strategy’s ambitions.”