§ Mr. WyattTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if her Department has completed the audit of UK sports facilities; and if she will make a statement. [3179]
§ Mr. CabornLocal authorities are best placed to assess the level of provision in their area as part of their development plans. Therefore, the Government's Plan for Sport encourages local authorities in England to carry out research of Sport England, and recommends that each local authority should develop a strategy for community sports provision over the next five years which, through consultation with the relevant agencies, ensures that new and enhanced indoor and outdoor facilities provide equal opportunity for participation.
Local planning authorities will be encouraged by Sport England, through its regional offices, to consider both public and commercial provision when drawing up development plan policies for sport and recreation and 451W also the role of planning obligations in providing and maintaining more socially inclusive community sports facilities.
A new consultative body—the Community Sport Alliance—will encourage good practice in the development of community facilities and also identify best practice in ensuring the inclusion of community and social provision in alternative facility management models.