Sport England has published a new report that examines how the rising cost of living is impacting the sport and physical activity sector.
‘The rising cost of living and its impact on sport and physical activity’ has been produced in conjunction with Sheffield Hallam University and is intended to help activity providers understand the impact cost of living is having on their participants.
Rising living costs in England have been caused by various factors such as the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, the war in Ukraine, supply chain problems and higher interest rates, as well as inflation and low wage growth.
The report found:
Cost of living pressures are also having an impact on the sport and physical activity workforce:
Nick Pontefract, Sport England’s chief strategy officer, said the publication demonstrated how the cost of living was changing the way some people are choosing to engage with sport and physical activity.
“Today’s report shows that in common with much of the economy, the cost of living is impacting on affordability of physical activity and sport particularly for the most disadvantaged,” he said.
“While these headwinds inevitably impact all areas of life including work to increase physical activity and participation, the sector has been remarkably resilient and creative in sustaining opportunities for people to keep active.
"We also know there are plenty of low and no cost options for getting active, whether that's running for free with parkrun, using outdoor gym equipment that can be found in many parks or simply going for a walk.
“At Sport England, we’re doing everything we can to support the sector through this time.
"This includes managing the Government-funded Swimming Pool Support Fund, a £60 million package to help keep public leisure facilities with swimming pools open, while we recently announced a £250m expansion into our place partnerships.
"This money is specifically aimed at the places with the greatest need, and where the impact of cost-of-living pressures will be most pronounced."
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