Sport England says inactivity costs £20 billion a year

Equal access to sport and exercise could help address an estimated £20 billion deficit in the public finances, according to Sport England.

Ahead of next week’s Budget, the funding agency says new research highlights the “critical role” physical activity plays in supporting public finances and economic growth.

But it also warns that inactivity costs £20bn a year, and called for more investment in sport.

It claims that this is the amount of healthcare savings, productivity gains and improved wellbeing that could be achieved if less active groups in society – such as people with disabilities, low-income people and black people – were supported.

Earlier this year, Sport England found that 67% of the adult population were meeting guidelines recommended by chief medical officers., external For weekly physical activity – a record. But she warned that more efforts were needed to address inequality.

At the time, the government said tackling inactivity was “at the heart of our preventive health agenda”.

Sport England also says its research has found that grassroots sport and exercise boosts the economy by £36 billion a year through jobs, volunteering, facilities and equipment.

His calculations show that for every £1 invested in the sector, £4.38 is generated for people and public money, through savings for the NHS, preventing chronic disease, improving workforce productivity, and promoting health and happiness.

In addition, £14 billion in tax revenue is generated through popular sport and exercise each year: a return of around six to seven times the public investment in sport and exercise.

Chris Boardman, head of Sport England, said: “Shockingly, inequality in activity levels costs the public purse almost £20 billion every year.

“Inactivity is quietly draining our economy, our health system and our communities – but we can change that.

“It’s exciting that the solution is right in front of us: mobility. With a return on investment of more than four to one, billions could be saved in health care, our workforce will be more productive and the quality of life will improve for millions.”

Earlier this month, Chancellor Rachel Reeves warned she would make “essential choices” in the Budget after “the world has thrown more challenges our way”, and did not rule out backing away from Labour’s pledge in its general election manifesto not to increase income tax, VAT or National Insurance.

In June, leaders of the sport and physical activity sector jointly wrote to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, warning that if they were not prioritized in the government’s spending plans it would “risk more facilities and clubs declining or closing”.

The letter was signed by organizations including the Youth Sports Trust, the Sports and Recreation Alliance, the Ukactive Gyms and Leisure Centers Authority and the Sports for Development Alliance.