Multi-sport Grassroots Facilities

Louise Jones, the Labour MP for North East Derbyshire, asked the Government what steps it is taking to support multi-sport grassroots facilities. Stephanie Peacock, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, responded that the Government is committed to providing high-quality, inclusive facilities to help people get active and healthier, and is investing £123 million across the UK in a multi-sport grassroots facilities programme. Ms Jones agreed that access to these facilities is vital for mental health and community cohesion, particularly in small towns and villages like those in her constituency, and asked the Minister if she agrees that these communities must have equal access to such facilities. Ms Peacock acknowledged her hon. Friend's point and said she was pleased to visit her constituency a few months ago, as she represents a similar area with a collection of towns and villages. The Minister stated that the Government wants to ensure communities across the country have access to local facilities, as it is so important to get people active, especially for mental health and wellbeing. Dame Caroline Dinenage, the Conservative MP and Chair of the Select Committee, noted that grassroots sports venues play a key role in improving the nation's health. She mentioned that the UK will host the T20 women's world cup in 2026 and that cricket will join the Olympic family of sports in 2028. The previous Government had committed a £35 million investment into 16 grassroots cricket hubs and cricket domes, and she asked the Minister if this Government will fulfil that promise. Ms Peacock acknowledged the Chair's important question and said she was pleased to meet with the England and Wales Cricket Board a few weeks ago and will be visiting their representatives in her own constituency the following day. The Minister stated that the Government absolutely sees the benefit of cricket and all sports across the country, but she was not in a position to make spending commitments ahead of the spending review.