The CSR Impact on Sport - Reaction

Posted: Wed, 25 Nov 2015 17:32

The CSR Impact on Sport - Reaction

The Government announced its long awaited comprehensive spending review (CSR) today with expectations for cuts across the board for sports bodies funded by DCMS.

The Sports Think Tank responded to the early details announced by the Chancellor on Wednesday evening.

Andy Reed said "As always it is right to be cautious in the immediate aftermath of a Budget or Spending Review. The statement in the House only covers a fraction of the details that have been announced in the review. Often things don't seem the same in the cold light of day as in detailed analysis 48 hours later, so we are able to give a cautious welcome to some of the news we have heard today.

"We were particularly watching out for cuts of around 30% to DCMS funding and the impact on Sport England, UK Sport, UKAD and the other agencies it funds. The DCMS funding seems to show not only is the budget protected, but a small increase in cash terms has been found for Sport England and an increase of 29% has been found for UK Sport ahead of Rio 2016 and through to Tokyo 2020. These announcements have to be welcomed.

However, we also know that public health spending will fall by 4% per annum over the next cycle and that local government cuts are likely to have a deep impact on the £1.1bn spent by councils on sport and recreation across the country. As these services are salami-sliced and charges increase the impact will be felt in a less obvious way - but by 2020 I am sure we will be looking at a very different landscape.

We are awaiting confirmation in the detailed announcements about the Primary Premium (although this was a manifesto commitment), the School Games and School Games Organisers - although sources said earlier today that things were looking very positive.

However, we do welcome the view that the Government heard the voice of sport in the lead up to the CSR inside the Treasury. The fact that the Chancellor announced he felt this was a worthwhile 'investment' is an important step for the sector and one we must not squander.

"The investment in UK Sport is an interesting outcome for sports policy-makers. The glamour and investment choices for winning medals at the Olympics and Paralympics now seems embedded inside government. It will become hard for any PM or Chancellor to be the one to see Team GB slip down the medal table."

As we get more detail over the next 48 hours we will update our report.

Tags: Csr, Dcms, Sport