Providing equal opportunities for sports and exercise may address a projected £20bn gap in public finances, as stated by Sport England.
Ahead of the upcoming Budget, the funding organization emphasizes that new studies underscore «the essential role» that physical activity has in enhancing public finances and driving economic progress.
However, it also cautions that lack of activity is leading to a «staggering» annual cost of £20bn and has urged for increased financial backing for sports.
It asserts that this reflects the potential savings in healthcare, productivity improvements, and better wellness that could be realized if the most inactive segments of the population – including individuals with disabilities, low-income earners, and black individuals – were given more support.
Earlier this year, Sport England reported that 67% of adults were complying with the recommended physical activity guidelines set by chief medical officers – a record high. However, it emphasized that further action is required to combat disparities.
At that time, the government stated that addressing inactivity was «central to our preventative health agenda».
Sport England also highlighted that their research indicated grassroots sports and exercise generate £36bn for the economy annually, thanks to job creation, volunteering, facilities, and equipment.
Moreover, it estimates that for every £1 allocated to the sector, £4.38 is returned to citizens and the public treasury, through NHS savings, chronic illness avoidance, increased workforce efficiency, and enhanced health and happiness.
Additionally, grassroots sports and exercise contribute £14bn in tax revenue annually, which represents a return of roughly six to seven times the public funding in sports and exercise.
«It’s alarming that disparities in activity levels burden the public finances with nearly £20bn each year,» remarked Chris Boardman, chair of Sport England.
«Inactivity is silently draining our economy, healthcare system, and communities – but we have the power to change that.
«Excitingly, the answer is just ahead of us: movement. With a return on investment exceeding four to one, billions can be conserved in healthcare, workforce productivity will increase, and quality of life will enhance for millions.»
Recently, Chancellor Rachel Reeves cautioned that she would make «necessary decisions» in the Budget following the «world has presented us with greater difficulties», and did not exclude the possibility of reversing Labour’s general election commitment to avoid raising income tax, VAT, or National Insurance.
In June, leaders from the sports and physical activity sector collectively sent a letter to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, warning that neglecting their interests in government budget plans could lead to «the decline or closure of additional facilities and clubs».
Signatories included the Youth Sport Trust, the Sport and Recreation Alliance, the gym and leisure association Ukactive, and the Sport for Development Coalition.
