Sport and Physical Activity (Deprived Communities)

– in the Scottish Parliament at on 26 October 2017.

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Photo of Mark Griffin Mark Griffin Labour

2. To ask the Scottish Government what action it takes to encourage people from deprived communities to get involved in sport and physical activity. (S5O-01366)

Photo of Aileen Campbell Aileen Campbell Scottish National Party

The Scottish Government is committed to increasing rates of physical activity. The active Scotland outcomes framework sets out our ambitions for a more active Scotland and is underpinned by a commitment to equality. We are committed to ensuring that community sport hubs provide opportunities for all to participate in sport and benefit the communities they serve. Current work is focusing on hubs located in communities in the lowest 5 per cent of Scottish index of multiple deprivation areas. In addition, our active schools programme offers opportunities for children and young people who might experience barriers to participation.

Photo of Mark Griffin Mark Griffin Labour

The recently published Barclay report recommends that certain public buildings, such as leisure centres and possibly some of the hubs that the minister talked about, which are operated at arm’s length by local authorities, should pay business rates. In North Lanarkshire, the estimated cost of that would be £4.5 million to £5 million a year, and it would have a massive impact on the council’s ability to encourage people who live in deprived communities to get involved in sport and physical activity. Does the minister agree with me about the impact of the proposal and will she lobby the finance secretary to reject that recommendation?

Photo of Aileen Campbell Aileen Campbell Scottish National Party

Derek Mackay made a statement to Parliament to set out his approach to recommendations from the Barclay review, and the further consideration that he wants to give to the impact on arm’s-length external organisations. I understand that he will be making a statement to update Parliament this year.

Photo of Maree Todd Maree Todd Scottish National Party

Will the women and girls in sport advisory board examine the challenges to female participation in deprived areas?

Photo of Aileen Campbell Aileen Campbell Scottish National Party

The women and girls in sport advisory board will look at how to increase participation and raise awareness of sport and physical activity for girls and women and will explore all the barriers that they face to accessibility, including deprivation.

We should take heart at what is happening across the country to provide girls with opportunities. That was recently illustrated through a women and girls in sport week. Sports are reporting an increase in girls’ participation, including in karate, rugby, dodgeball and cross-country. Good work is happening, but more must be done, and I will continue to keep the member, who has a clear interest in the subject, updated with that work as it progresses.

Photo of Brian Whittle Brian Whittle Conservative

Given that we know that, if we get young people to be active, they are more likely to remain active into adulthood, and that the active schools programme highlights an 11 per cent greater uptake in deprived areas, should increasing extra-curricular activity not be a main drive of the Government in making sure that there is access to sport for all?

Photo of Aileen Campbell Aileen Campbell Scottish National Party

The active schools programme has been a success and has indicated that there are higher participation rates in areas of deprivation, showing that, when there is a broad range of opportunities for young people, they will take them up. That is why we will continue to work with sportscotland to support that good work and ensure that young people, and older people, get the opportunities that they need to become more active because of the health benefits that that brings.

Photo of Richard Lochhead Richard Lochhead Scottish National Party

The minister knows that, if we are to address this issue, we need sports facilities in our communities. Will she therefore welcome the exciting proposal for a Moray sport centre and urge her officials and sportscotland to offer appropriate financial support and any possible advice?

Photo of Aileen Campbell Aileen Campbell Scottish National Party

I am well aware of the proposals that the member outlines and of his enthusiasm for promoting them. I understand that discussions are on-going between the developers and sportscotland on the plans and proposals, and I strongly encourage all parties to continue that dialogue. We will certainly do what we can to support with advice as the project progresses. I look forward to being kept updated on the project and to continuing to engage with the member on the work.