Sport England has announced investment into 53 areas highlighted in the top 10 per cent of the UK in terms of inactivity, social need, deprivation and health inequality.

This investment follows on from the £250 million invested in 2023. Sport England’s place-based approach involves working in partnership with local organisations and leaders who understand the specific needs of their communities and the local assets available to support people to get active.

With lifespan varying by up to 9 years depending on geographical location, Chris Boardman, chair of Sport England, says the rising levels of inactivity must be tackled. “Health inequalities have become embedded in our communities, with rising inactivity among children a particular worry,” he says. “Inactive kids are more likely to be inactive adults and more at risk of developing chronic illness that costs the NHS and our economy; it’s a ticking time bomb for the long-term health and wealth of the country. We must address it urgently.”

Sport England research has found that affluence and activity levels are closely linked: 34 per cent are inactive in England’s most deprived places, compared to 20 per cent in the least deprived. Just 49 per cent of people are active in Barking and Dagenham – one of the latest 53 designated places – compared with 79 per cent of adults in the affluent Brighton and Hove.

Research also shows children from lower-income families have lower rates of activity than those from wealthier families. Local authority data reveals that in Richmond on Thames, 62 per cent of children and young people are active, but in Thurrock, an area of high social need, it’s only 34 per cent.

The place-based approach is starting to have a positive impact. In Calderdale, inactivity has reduced by 7 per cent among children and young people and 4 per cent among adults. In Doncaster, inactivity has reduced by 12 per cent among children and young people and 2.5 per cent among adults.

Furthermore it’s good for the economy, Sport England data shows that every £1 invested in community sport and physical activity generates £4.20 for the English economy and society.

Lisa Dodd-Mayne, Sport England’s executive director of place, says: “Where you live has a direct impact on how active you can be, which is why a ‘whole system’ approach to a place is the most comprehensive way to tackle inactivity.

“Each place is its own ecosystem, and we look at the local spaces, such as parks, woodland, leisure centres, and community halls that are available in that ecosystem. We then partner with local organisations, such as NHS trusts, councils, faith groups and grassroots sports clubs to create opportunities for the community to get active.

“From embedding Active Design into housing plans in Exeter, to gentle dance classes for older people in Doncaster to help them rehabilitate after a fall, to football clubs for isolated men in Blackburn – our place work is as varied as the communities that we’re working for. And every active adult and child represent money saved for our health and care system, reduced pressure on the NHS, and a healthier workforce – delivering growth through health.”

Sport England invests up to £300 million of National Lottery and government money each year in projects and programmes that help people get active and play sport.

The 53 new places Sport England is investing in are:
1. Ashfield
2. Barnsley
3. Barking and Dagenham
4. Blackpool
5. Boston
6. Brent
7. Castle Point
8. Cheshire East
9. Cheshire West and Chester
10. Cumberland
11. Darlington
12. Derby
13. Dudley
14. East Lindsey
15. Erewash
16. Fenland
17. Gateshead
18. Gravesham
19. Great Yarmouth
20. Harlow
21. Hartlepool
22. Ipswich
23. King’s Lynn & West Norfolk
24. Kingston upon Hull
25. Kirklees
26. Knowsley
27. Leicester
28. Liverpool
29. Milton Keynes
30. North East Lincolnshire
31. North Northamptonshire
32. Nottingham
33. Peterborough
34. Portsmouth
35. Rotherham
36. Sandwell
37. Sefton
38. Slough
39. Southampton
40. South Tyneside
41. Spelthorne
42. Stockton-on-Tees
43. Stoke-on-Trent
44. Swindon
45. Thanet
46. Thurrock
47. Tower Hamlets
48. Walsall
49. Warrington
50. West Northamptonshire
51. West Suffolk
52. Wirral
53. Wolverhampton