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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.

Parks proved to be a lifeline for local communities during the COVID-19 crisis but the pandemic has had a devastating impact on councils’ park services, the Local Government Association sets out today.

“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.”

“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.”

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

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.

“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.”

"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."

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 report’s

“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."