Local authority leaders have urged the Government to stick to their pledge to reinvest money raised from the soft drinks industry levy into council-run initiatives to boost physical activity.
The levy, designed to reduce the consumption of sugary drinks, has raised around £1.2bn since its introduction. However, the funds are no longer ringfenced to be spent on efforts to tackle obesity and physical inactivity.
The Local Government Association (LGA) has urged the Government to stick to their promise that money raised through the levy would fund ‘programmes to encourage physical activity and balanced diets’.
Cllr David Fothergill, chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board, said: ‘The whole country has been incredibly proud of the achievements of our Lionesses and Commonwealth Games champions, many of whom started their journeys into elite sport at council run sports facilities.
‘If we are to capitalise and ensure a lasting legacy from these successes, we’ve got to get as many children active as we can.
‘The sugar levy has been used as one of many tools to tackle growing levels of obesity across the country. However, it is concerning that it is increasingly unclear how the revenue generated from this is spent.
‘It is vitally important that money raised through the levy is reinvested in physical activity programmes in local communities and other support to tackle childhood obesity.’
A recent study cited by the LGA suggests that only 45% of primary school aged children have one hour a day worth of physical activity, with data collected by councils also revealing rates of childhood obesity are still above their pre pandemic levels.
Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson, chair of the LGA’s Culture, Tourism and Sport Board, added: ‘Sporting events like the Commonwealth Games are fantastic at influencing international perceptions of the UK and marketing the UK to international visitors. But we must ensure that participation boosts fuelled by events like these are not short lived.
‘Councils provide the majority of public swimming pools and leisure facilities, which are now under increased pressure as a result of rising energy costs. Urgent intervention is needed to prevent council-run leisure facilities from closing under cost-of-living pressures. Coupled with long-term investment in public sport alongside major UK sporting events, this will help to inspire people to be more active for generations to come.’
