Councils warn leisure centres could close without extra cash

Leisure centres could be forced to close their doors for good unless ministers act now to save them, district councils have warned.

The District Councils Network (DCN) has called on the government to include a financial rescue package to save struggling centres in this week’s Spending Review, which is due to take place on 25 November.

Without extra help, it says outsourced district council leisure centres will face a shortfall of around £324m this year, which will force many out of business.

The DCN says leisure centres have a fundamental role to play in the national recovery from the pandemic, by improving physical and mental health and tackling health inequalities.

And investing in leisure centres will also deliver greater returns in the long term, with the King’s Fund finding that district council leisure services and green spaces create up to £23 in value for every £1 invested.

‘After a further period of lockdown and being unable to visit their local gym or swimming pool, it would be a devastating blow to communities to find they no longer have their local leisure centre in the months ahead,’ said DCN lead member for enhancing quality of life, Cllr Dan Humphreys.

‘But the sad reality is that our leisure centres are in a crisis right now, and some may never recover without an increase in the lifeline as part of a wider package of support for district council services from the government’s Spending Review.

‘As local leaders, district councils are committed to tackling this health and economic crisis now and in the future,’ he added.

‘Leisure and sport will be critical to improving the health of people from all ages and backgrounds as we emerge from this crisis. As destinations in themselves, they also draw people into town centres creating community spaces and support for local businesses.

‘District councils are central to protecting health and the economy and helping to drive jobs and growth moving forward.

‘But our incomes have plummeted amid the crisis and it is critical that the Spending Review continues to ensure we can deliver those critical doorstep services, protect the vulnerable and drive growth in the coming months and years.’

Photo Credit – Stevepb (Pixabay)