Local government leaders are urging the UK Government to ensure that the £400m announced in the recent Spending Review for grassroots sports is targeted toward essential community assets—specifically local leisure centres and swimming pools.

The Local Government Association (LGA) has emphasised that councils are uniquely positioned to deliver funding where it is most needed. By investing through local authorities, the Government can help ensure this funding delivers maximum value for communities and supports long-term health outcomes.

The Loss of Community Assets

Since 2010, over 500 swimming pools have been forced to close, and nearly a quarter of council areas are now facing potential reductions—or even full closures—of local leisure services due to soaring energy prices and unsustainable operational costs.

According to the LGA, if the current trends continue, physical inactivity could rise by 35% by 2030, placing further strain on the NHS and public finances.

'Life-changing' Benefits of Local Facilities:

Cllr Liz Green, chair of the LGA’s Culture, Tourism and Sport Board, stressed the vital role these facilities play: 'Local communities rely on sport and leisure facilities every day, whether it is swimming for the family or going to the gym. The benefits to both physical and mental health can be life-changing. Yet without urgent investment we risk losing these altogether.

'It is positive the Government has announced £400m for grass roots sports facilities. But for this funding to be truly transformative, we are calling for this to be invested via councils, so it can have the impact that delivers the ambition the Government has to improve our nation’s health.'

Local Health and Wellbeing

Donna Pentelow, chair of Chief Cultural and Leisure Officers Association (CLOA), added that council leisure centres, swimming pools and outdoor spaces are ‘on the frontline of local health and wellbeing.’

She added:'We see every day how vital these facilities and spaces are to support active wellbeing for residents of all ages. A place-based investment approach ensures funding reaches the communities that need it most. By directing grassroots sports funding through local government, we can support its appropriate use to truly tackle health inequalities and deliver on the Government’s long-term health ambitions.'

For more on leisure centres, swimming pools and public health, download your free copy of GLL: Transforming Community Health and Wellbeing today.