Robert Goodwill MP:

"The department does not provide any direct funding to local authorities, specifically for offering free sporting activities during the summer holidays. However, we want all children to be healthy and active, and the government supports sporting activities for children through a number of programmes.

Since 2013 we have provided over £600 million of ring-fenced funding to improve PE and sport in primary schools, and have committed to doubling the primary PE and sport premium to £320 million a year from September 2017using revenue from the soft drinks industry levy.

Schools have the freedom to decide how best to use the funding based on the needs of their pupils, and some schools may elect to provide extra-curricular activities for pupils during the school holidays. This however is a decision for the school, based on their local circumstances.

In addition to providing funding through the premium there are also a number of initiatives underway across government to improve levels of physical activity in children. Public Health England, Disney and Sport England are collaborating on the Change4Life '10 Minute Shake-ups', and will be providing additional funding to support the initiative and get children between the ages of five and 12 active over the summer holidays. Sport England is investing up to £40 million into projects which offer opportunities for families with children to get active and play sport together outside school."