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“Councils have been working hard to prioritise public sport and leisure facilities for their communities."

“While it is good the Government will continue to help the public sector as well as businesses keep their energy bills lower and provided some certainty for the next 12 months, we remain deeply concerned about the risk to some council services."

“On behalf of councils in England, I’d like to wish Sarina Wiegman and the England Women’s football team the best of luck in their Euro 2022 Final against Germany at Wembley on Sunday."

Responding to a new report from The House of Lords Committee on a National Plan for Sport and Recreation, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Culture Tourism and Sport Board, Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson said: “The LGA is pleased to see that this report acknowledges the need for a radical shift in thinking and delivery at national level to better reflect the contribution sport and recreation makes to wider policy objectives. In addition to their vital role in supporting the health of the nation, increasing activity levels and tackling inequalities. “We fully support the

"To capitalise on this success and level up the health of the nation, particularly those in the most economically deprived areas, it’s vital that Government, key partners and stakeholders work together with councils to create healthy places with accessible green spaces and affordable sport and leisure opportunities."

“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.”

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.

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

“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.”

“The survey results are concerning, and highlight the importance of helping children to be active during this period to support their physical and mental wellbeing. Councils are working hard to keep parks and green spaces open and available for this, and by implementing active travel routes to support safe cycling and walking.”