Sports: Cost of Living

(asked on 23rd May 2023) - View Source

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether her Department is taking steps to support (a) clubs and (b) other groups who deliver grassroots and community sports with increases in the cost of living.


Answered by
Stuart Andrew Portrait
Stuart Andrew
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
This question was answered on 1st June 2023

Supporting grassroots sport is a key government priority. Last year, Sport England received almost £350 million from the Government and National Lottery to fund grassroots sports projects so that everyone is able to access quality sport and physical activity opportunities, and enjoy the physical and mental health benefits that exercise provides.

There are a range of funding options available to sport clubs struggling with increased costs.

Since its creation, Sport England’s Together Fund has invested more than £3.6 million into projects to support with the cost of living. Additionally, Sport England’s Active Together fund supports campaigns that encourage grassroots community sport and youth participation. Since 2020, the fund has committed £3.5 million to successful projects, with funding going towards supporting rising energy costs, ensuring that these activities remain affordable for communities.

At the Spring Budget, the Government announced a £63 million package to address the cost pressures facing some public swimming pool providers, and provide investment in energy efficiency measures to make facilities sustainable in the long-term. This intervention aims to ensure that children and adults up and down the country have accessible opportunities to get active.

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