(1 year ago)
Commons Chamber Louise Jones (North East Derbyshire) (Lab)
    
        
    
    
    
    
    
        
        
        
            Louise Jones (North East Derbyshire) (Lab) 
        
    
        
    
         The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Stephanie Peacock)
        
    
    
    
    
    
        
        
        
            The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Stephanie Peacock) 
        
    
        
    
        This Government are committed to providing high-quality, inclusive facilities that provide opportunities for everyone to get active and healthier. That is why we are investing £123 million across the UK in our multi-sport grassroots facilities programme.
 Louise Jones
    
        
    
    
    
    
    
        
        
        
            Louise Jones 
        
    
        
    
        Access to those facilities is vital for mental health and community cohesion, no more so than in the small towns and villages that make up my constituency. Does the Minister agree that even in places like that we must have equal access to such facilities?
 Stephanie Peacock
        
    
    
    
    
    
        
        
        
            Stephanie Peacock 
        
    
        
    
        I completely agree with my hon. Friend. I was pleased to visit her constituency a few months ago; I represent a similar area, with a collection of towns and villages. Wherever communities are, across the country, we want to ensure they have access to local facilities. It is so important to get people active, particularly for mental health and wellbeing.