The latest Active Lives Adult Survey shows a continued and steady increase in physical activity levels across the country and is a further reminder of the essential role the sport, recreation and physical activity sector plays in supporting the nation’s physical activity levels. However, despite the headline numbers, much more needs to be done to ensure more people can reap the benefits of engaging in physical activity and ensuring our sector can play its fullest role in driving this uptake.

As evidenced by the National Sector Partners Group (NSPG), the UK is currently 11th out of 15 comparable European nations for activity levels, and small increases such as this are not enough to make the UK the most active nation in Europe, with all the associated health and economic benefits that this would bring.

Our sector is responsible for generating £107.2bn in social value in England each year, including £10.5bn in secondary value by reducing cases of disease and relieving the huge pressure on health and social care every year. Studies show that physical activity helps to prevent 20 chronic conditions, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart disease, many types of cancer, MSK conditions, depression and anxiety, and dementia.

However, the new findings show that significant inequalities remain in physical activity levels across demographics, and an alarming decrease among younger people aged 16 to 34. It is clear the current policy approach is failing to deliver meaningful increases in physical activity.

The outcome of the Government’s upcoming Spending Review, due to be announced in June, is pivotal to ensure the sport, recreation and physical activity sector can drive up these levels and provides the Government with an opportunity to demonstrate the value it places on the nation’s health and wellbeing and reducing the pressure on the NHS

The NSPG remains committed to working at pace with this Government to ensure it delivers an ambitious and practical strategy for increasing physical activity levels among people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, for the sake of the nation’s health, wellbeing and economic growth.

Ali Oliver MBE, CEO of Youth Sport Trust, commented: “An increase in activity levels amongst adults is welcome news, particularly as parents act as powerful role models for their families. But this data also reinforces the need to nurture active lifestyles from the very beginning; if we want this trend to continue, we must prioritise physical development and opportunities to be active in childhood. In particular, the findings also highlight barriers to participation remain too high, particularly for women, Black and Asian people, and those from the least affluent households. These inequalities and barriers often begin in childhood, and if children grow up without access to inclusive, enjoyable opportunities to be active, their lifestyle habits and believe can be set for life. By prioritising opportunities to be active through PE, school sport and play, we can help every young person build confidence, resilience and lifelong healthy habits. The Youth Sport Trust is committed to ensuring all children have an active start in life, developing healthy habits which continue throughout life."

About the National Sector Partners Group

The NSPG is formed of:

• Active Partnerships
• The Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA)
• The Sport for Development Coalition
• The Sport and Recreation Alliance
• ukactive
• The Youth Sport Trust.

Through our collaborative work as sector partners, we aim to engage decision makers to improve the operating landscape for the sector and embed sport, recreation and physical activity as a key contributor to wider public policy objectives.