If we accept that active leisure and culture can contribute to national government priorities and that these include among others: tackling social exclusion and disadvantage; addressing poor health; improving wellbeing; regenerating and strengthening communities – arguably it is more important to invest in these facilities and services in a recession than when times are good. A recession tends to exacerbate social problems; therefore this is exactly the time when the benefits of sport, active leisure and culture can have greatest impact.
Despite this a recent survey of local councilors in the Local Government Chronicle, should set alarm bells ringing. It found that Museum Services, Tourism and Leisure came out top in the league table of those services elected members thought most likely to be cut http://www.lgcplus.com/5006526.article There is now plenty of evidence to show that sport and culture deliver. Furthermore, politicians of all persuasions regularly talk about the importance of the sector (particularly at National conferences and in the media), so the lack of value afforded these quality of life’ services is extremely disappointing but highlights the need for effective and regular advocacy at all levels.