Leisure providers rescue package needed, say councils

Hundreds of leisure facilities could close permanently or be unable to reopen without urgent funding which would undermine the government’s plans to tackle obesity.

That is according to the Local Government Association, who argue that significant losses of income during this period of lockdown has left many leisure providers on the brink of financial collapse.

The government is announcing plans to tackle the obesity crisis to get the nation fit and ready to deal with any second wave of coronavirus, and council leaders have stressed that leisure facilities, although right considered a key tool in this national effort, urgently need funding to cover loss of income, maintenance and utility costs.

Many leisure providers are concerned that memberships and visits to facilities will not return to pre-pandemic levels for some time, meaning they will be unable to generate the income needed to cover the service costs of reopening.

Gerald Vernon-Jackson, chair of the LGA’s Culture, Tourism and Sport Board, said: “Communities are excited by the return of cherished leisure facilities from this weekend. But many providers are in serious trouble and, without urgent government support, there is a real risk that our leisure facilities will disappear.

“Exercising regularly is clearly a great way to get healthy and tackle obesity. A more active community is a healthier, stronger and more prosperous community but the lockdown has increased physical inactivity and unhealthy eating habits for some families. The government urgently needs to provide funding to ensure leisure facilities stay open to all communities and recognises their role in the fight against obesity, inactivity and poor mental health, which in turn will help to save the NHS being overburdened in the future.”