ukactive has called for the government to recognise the physical activity sector’s ambitions for growth. Huw Edwards, CEO of ukactive, has asked the Prime Minister and the government to recognise the importance of the sector for public health and economic growth.
The organisation is aiming to have at least five million new users of gyms, pools and leisure centres by the end of the decade as part of their ambition to bring the wider social benefits of physical activity to communities across the country.
With the impact of the pandemic and the energy crisis, ukactive has highlighted how the sector faces a serious crisis. ukactive’s consultation found that energy prices have already increased by between 150% and 200% risking up to 85% of the sector. This includes public sector facilities, and approximately half of gyms, pools, and leisure centres.
The sector has a proven capacity for growth, with clear links to health improvements that increase productivity and revenue. In a recent Deloitte report, the potential economic benefit of getting physically inactive workers active is up to £17bn per year in increased activity and health care savings.
The next two years are set to be a difficult one for many, with the Bank of England predicting a two-year recession as interest rates rose this month. It’s never been more important to shore up public services and other physical activity-based services for the benefit of public health and productivity.
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