§ Mr. GreenwayTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to make sport a statutory duty for local authorities; and if he will make a statement. [87649]
§ Mr. CabornI have been asked to reply.
I have no such plans. Local authorities are key providers of sport and recreation and play a central role in the delivery of sport in and for the community. It is through the continuous assessment and improvement of local services through processes such as the comprehensive performance assessment and statutory duties such as Best Value that we can safeguard and bring the highest standards to non-statutory services such as sport and recreation. The Local Government Act 2000 also gives authorities new powers to promote or improve the economic, social or environmental wellbeing of their area, including the provision of sport and recreational opportunities.