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Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson, Chair of the LGA’s Culture, Tourism and Sport Board, responds to Arts Council England’s announcement to provide £160 million for the cultural sector.

"This funding demonstrates that the Government have heard our calls for greater recognition of the vital role that libraries play in helping businesses to innovate and grow."

Despite rising demand for services and central government funding reductions, councils continue to be the biggest investors in culture, bringing communities across the country together.

“Councils are doing everything they can to protect youth services but funding pressures and rising demand for other services means they have had to reduce spending on youth services by more than half since 2010."

“Councils are uniquely placed to build on community strengths in partnership with Arts Council England, and the greatest impact can be achieved through locally-led culture facilities, including museums, libraries and arts organisations."

Nearly two thirds of leisure centres are outdated and need urgent new investment from government, the Local Government Association reveals today. New figures, shared with the LGA by Sport England, show that up to 63 per cent of sports halls and swimming pools are more than 10 years old. Nearly a quarter of all sports halls and swimming pools have not been refurbished in more than 20 years. Central government funding for leisure infrastructure reduced by a third over the last decade. The LGA, which represents councils in England and Wales, is calling on government to use the forthcoming

“Alongside other partners, councils have also made good progress in improving children’s health, from health visitors supporting new parents to weight management services."

The LGA has long made the case for the importance of green and outdoor spaces for people’s health and wellbeing.

“While this funding is a positive step for local authorities, alongside other recent investments in culture and heritage, it is vital that councils have the long-term, sustainable funding to protect and unlock the value of heritage sites for their communities.”

“Many of the facilities run by councils are ageing, particularly swimming pools, and could be updated to better meet the needs of communities and be more energy efficient and cost-effective to run."