§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many local authorities with responsibility for provision of leisure facilities have a strategic sports facilities plan; and if he will make a statement. [57892]
§ Mr. BanksThe English Sports Council (ESC) advises me that some 170 local authorities have such strategies currently in place, with around a further 70 in draft form.
Government and the English Sports Council (ESC) see such strategies as an important element of delivering sport at the local level. They should set the context not only for the provision of new facilities, but also for sports development and the protection of playing fields. To help assist local authorities assess their facility needs in preparing their strategies, the ESC has developed a Facilities Planning Model, and this service will be available in the Spring.
We are seeking to raise the importance of these strategies through a number of channels. Planning Policy Guidance for Sport and Recreation (PPG17) advises planning authorities which sport and recreation matters should be included within Development plans. Planning authorities are advised to consider sport and recreation strategies when they prepare those plans. This PPG is currently being updated with a revised draft for consultation around the turn of the year. In addition, as well as tying this work with the production of its Lottery Strategy, the ESC will be producing revised guidance on preparing local sport and recreation strategies early in the New Year.