The Local Government Association has called for a rebalancing of funding from Sport England in its response to the DCMS Sports Consultation.

Setting out the case for the contribution of local government to delivering a comprehensive sport and physical activity agenda the LGA Claims it is best placed to lead a step-change in sport participation.

"The LGA has outlined the depth of the challenges it faces as funding for more statutiry services become increasingly stretched. They argue the long track record of delivery of locally led initiatives means Sport England should divert funds away from 'national bodies and towards locally led approaches'.

Andy Reed Director of the Sports Think Tank said "This is an honest and open call for a rebalancing of funding as part of the Sports Consultation. There have been strong voices calling for the rebalancing of funding and the NGBs are of course ensuring their voice is not lost in the clamour for a reducing pot of money"

"The new strategy will be launched after the CSR announcement and so we will get an idea of the sort of monies we will be fighting over in the years ahead"

"Local government has long been the main spender on sport and recreation but has not always gained the credit for this."