The chief health officer’s guidance suggests that to maintain health, adults aged 19-64 need to engage in a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of high-intensity exercise per week.
In what’s being called a monumental revision of financial allocations, Sport England is channeling £250 million into the nation’s areas most affected by physical inactivity over a span of five years.
This reallocation, derived from the existing budget pool, aims to bolster physical engagement in 80 to 100 local communities identified as being at the sharp end of inequality, which currently hinders their participation in sports.
Recent studies unveiled by the agency highlight a stark contrast in activity levels across England, with the most active area boasting a rate of 81% compared to just 43% in the least active region.
These studies also shine a light on the startling revelation that one’s lifespan could differ by up to nine years based on geographic location.
Current figures paint a sedentary picture with one in four English adults falling into the inactive category, amounting to over 11 million individuals clocking in less than half an hour of physical activity weekly.
Moreover, concerning data shows that over half of the nation’s children and teens are not hitting the recommended mark of 60 minutes of daily exercise.
As part of its proactive approach, Sport England has initiated ‘Local Delivery Pilots’ focusing on 12 areas identified as the most inactive and disadvantaged across the country.
Tim Hollingsworth, Sport England’s CEO, asserts that the disparity in access to sports and activity is nowhere near equitable. “The discrepancy is stark and cannot stand,” Hollingsworth states. “Our Place Partnership program is poised to focus intensely on the communities in dire need of support and facing the most severe inequality.”
Recently, the government rolled out a campaign aiming to mobilize an extra 3.5 million people by the dawn of 2030, which includes encouraging a million youngsters to get active.
“This quarter-billion-pound boost from Sport England is a cornerstone in turning this ambition into reality,” commented Sports Minister Stuart Andrew MP. “The strategic funding prioritizes quality sports programs and clubs accessibility for all ages in regions that are most in need.”
Yet, with deteriorating sports facilities, diminishing school sports and PE provisions over the past ten years, and the cost of living crisis impacting people’s capacity for exercise, there’s a strong consensus that a more radical reform is imperative, calling for further financial injections into the sector.
“While the initiative will positively impact up to 100 locations, that’s just a fraction of what’s necessary,” stated Andy Taylor from Active Partnerships to Sport News Center. “There’s a pressing need for a collective vision and collaborative effort across organizations and departments. It’s not solely about financial input but about creating an efficient, unified system with a long-term strategy for a healthier nation.”
Sported, a charitable organization, reports overwhelming concern from over 3,000 community groups about the economic challenges affecting their operations. A significant 60% of leaders report witnessing young people who are priced out of activities, and over half observe a decline in sports engagement or complete withdrawal.
Finally, the House of Lords Sport and Recreation Committee has put forth a bold recommendation that sports policy should be reassigned from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to a new ministerial position focusing on sport, health, and wellbeing, as part of a sweeping sports policy overhaul. Additionally, the committee advocates for PE to be recognized as a core subject within the national curriculum and calls for a new legal mandate compelling local authorities to establish and uphold facilities for physical activity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Physical Inactivity
What is the main goal of Sport England’s funding reallocation?
Sport England’s main objective is to combat physical inactivity by reallocating £250 million to target areas with the worst levels of inactivity. This funding aims to reduce inequalities and promote active living in communities across England.
How much physical activity is recommended for adults according to chief medical officer guidelines?
According to the chief medical officer guidelines, adults aged 19 to 64 should engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week to maintain their health.
What does the new research reveal about activity levels in England?
The new research shows a significant contrast in activity levels across England, with the most active areas having an 81% activity rate, while the least active areas have only 43%. It also highlights that a person’s lifespan can vary by up to nine years depending on their geographic location.
What percentage of adults in England are currently considered inactive?
Approximately 25% of adults in England are currently classified as inactive, with more than 11 million individuals doing less than 30 minutes of physical activity in a week.
How many children and young people in England are not meeting the recommended daily activity guidelines?
Statistics indicate that 53% of children and young people in England are not meeting the guidance of participating in at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day.
What initiatives has Sport England undertaken to address physical inactivity?
Sport England has implemented ‘Local Delivery Pilots’ in 12 of the most disadvantaged and least active communities in the country. Additionally, they are expanding their Place Partnership program to focus on communities that require the most support and face the greatest inequality.
What broader changes are being suggested in the sports policy landscape?
The House of Lords Sport and Recreation Committee recommends moving sports policy responsibility from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport to a new ministerial position dedicated to sport, health, and wellbeing. They also propose making physical education a core subject in the national curriculum and requiring local councils to provide and maintain facilities for physical activity.
More about Physical Inactivity
- Sport England’s Official Website
- Chief Medical Officer’s Physical Activity Guidelines
- BBC News Article on Sport England’s Funding Reallocation
- The Guardian Article on Inequality in Physical Activity
- Sport England’s ‘Local Delivery Pilots’ Initiative
- House of Lords Sport and Recreation Committee Recommendations
2 comments
Inequalities r unfair, go get ’em Sport England! but 100 places not enuf, we need a big plan!
Sooo, adults need 150 minz exercise per week, huh? kids not doin’ enuf 60 min a day, sad!