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

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether the Government provides guidance to local authorities on the allocation of funding (a) across different sports, (b) for the provision for (i) SEND-inclusive and (ii) therapeutic sporting activities and (c) for equestrian-related activities.

We want everyone to be able to enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of sport and physical activity. We recognise that there are barriers which prevent some people from taking part and we will continue to work with our arm's length bodies, Sport England and UK Sport, and sector partners to encourage sport bodies to make sport more accessible and inclusive.

It is for each sport’s National Governing Body to decide on their own specific aims and appropriate initiatives to increase access and inclusion. British Equestrian launched its Horses for All strategy in December 2023.

UK Sport has committed a total of £15.7 million in funding to British Equestrian for the Los Angeles 2028 cycle, including £12.1 million for Olympic disciplines and £3.6 million for Para-Equestrian Dressage. British Equestrian is also a system partner of Sport England, receiving £6,387,216 in funding between 2022 and 2027.

As part of the Together Fund, Sport England also awarded British Equestrian £195,000 to support equestrian centres, community groups and targeted organisations to provide riding activities aimed at engaging lower socio-economic groups, people with long-term health conditions, culturally diverse communities, and disabled people.