Sara Hawthorn 29 July 2014

Tool reveals benefits of sports to local communities

A new modelling tool from Sport England allows councils to discover the economic value of sport to their community.

The 'Economic value of sport – local model’ estimates the contribution sport makes in the form of business output and employment in addition to the wider known benefits such as health, and also offers guidance on how to put this into practice.

The model also helps local authorities, county sport partnerships and local enterprise partnerships to see the impact of changes to sport, such as if new facilities are built, facilities are closed or more marketing is done to attract those not playing sport regularly.

Mike Diaper, Sport England’s director of community sport, said: ‘We are delighted to be helping local authorities, county sports partnerships and local enterprise partnership areas understand the value that sport brings to their area.

‘The model has been designed to be easy to use by local partners who need to be able to access key information quickly. It will help protect existing investment and make the case for new investment in sport.’

Sheffield City Council, Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Walsall Council helped shape the model to ensure it had the greatest impact for local partners to make the case for sport.

Paul Billington, director of culture and environment, Sheffield City Council, said: ‘We applaud Sport England’s initiative to create a tool that brings to life (and numbers) the real economic impact of sport. For many of us who've been involved in sport for many years, we've known that sport makes economic sense. Now we can prove it!’

Cllr Flick Rea of the Local Government Association, said: ‘Sport plays a huge role in communities and anything which helps local areas derive all the benefits sport can bring is positive.’

What’s happening inside the LGPS? image

What’s happening inside the LGPS?

Get the most informed take on the challenges and opportunities that substantial reform will bring at this year’s PLSA Local Authority Conference.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Audit

Cornwall Council
up to £87,644
Cornwall is at the forefront of innovation Cornwall
Recuriter: Cornwall Council

Head of Change & Portfolio Management

Cornwall Council
up to £87,644
Cornwall is at the forefront of innovation Cornwall
Recuriter: Cornwall Council

Director of Finance and Property Services

West Lothian Council
Up to £142,600
Nestled in the heart of Scotland, West Lothian is a vibrant region Livingston, West Lothian
Recuriter: West Lothian Council

Head of Revenues and Benefits

Ribble Valley Borough Council
£56,080 to £59,525 per annum plus 7.5% lease car contribution
We are seeking a dynamic and strategic leader for the position of Head of Revenues and Benefits. Clitheroe, Lancashire
Recuriter: Ribble Valley Borough Council

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority
Linkedin Banner