District councils call for leisure centre bailout

The District Councils’ Network (DCN) has called for a financial rescue package to help leisure centres, which have been forced to close during the coronavirus pandemic.

New figures published by the DCN claim leisure centres could lose up to £305m this year, while they remain closed and many could go out of business.

Leisure services in district council areas lost more than £45m in income in April 2020 alone, compared with the year before, according to the DCN.

The local government organisation said councils are concerned that the rapid loss of income will cause many leisure providers to go bust, while those that might survive would offer reduced services and hours.

It said 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 the DCN added 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 months 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, once we come out of this pandemic,’ said the DCN’s 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. Their income has plummeted and some may never recover without a lifeline from government which helps stabilise leisure centres in the short term.

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

‘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 in to town centres creating community spaces and support for local businesses.

‘We should now come together to create a leisure and sport service that plays its full role in the national health and economic recovery.’

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