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“On behalf of councils in England, I’d like to wish Sarina Wiegman and the England Women’s football team the best of luck in their Euro 2022 Final against Germany at Wembley on Sunday."

The Commission on Culture and Local Government, launched by the LGA in March, is calling for councils and their local cultural partners to share examples of their work in using culture to support recovery and levelling up.

“We are pleased to see culture, heritage and sport recognised for their impact in communities and be placed among the list of priorities in the white paper. As well as making a fundamental contribution to pride of place, they support local literacy and skills, and boost wellbeing, productivity and innovation."

Responding to a new report from The House of Lords Committee on a National Plan for Sport and Recreation, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Culture Tourism and Sport Board, Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson said: “The LGA is pleased to see that this report acknowledges the need for a radical shift in thinking and delivery at national level to better reflect the contribution sport and recreation makes to wider policy objectives. In addition to their vital role in supporting the health of the nation, increasing activity levels and tackling inequalities. “We fully support the report’s

This is an exciting plan that will enable the right support and funding to be directed to places that need it most, in a collaborative and targeted way. This includes opening up funding opportunities for small community organisations which often play a vital role within their communities.

"To capitalise on this success and level up the health of the nation, particularly those in the most economically deprived areas, it’s vital that Government, key partners and stakeholders work together with councils to create healthy places with accessible green spaces and affordable sport and leisure opportunities."

"The LGA has long made the case for the importance of green and outdoor spaces for people’s health and wellbeing. This funding is a positive step and will enable more local authorities to create spaces to enable communities to build activity in their daily lives."

Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson, Chair of the LGA’s Culture, Tourism and Sport Board responds to the Government’s announcement in the Spending Review of funding for the UK’s culture, tourism and sport sectors.

“Councils need a fair and sustainable funding settlement in the upcoming Spending Review to ensure they can continue to fund these essential community services and deliver against the Government’s plans for Levelling Up.”

Long term investment in public sport and leisure facilities is key to supporting efforts to tackle health inequalities exposed by the pandemic, councils say today.