Local Authorities leisure centres to receive £100m to support them through the pandemic.

Sport England chief executive Tim Hollingsworth has welcomed the government's announcement today that local authority leisure centres will receive £100 million to help them through the challenges of the pandemic.

The Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Oliver Dowden has announced that:

• local authorities will be able to bid for money from the £100m fund

• funding will be allocated to leisure centres most in need

• further details on the scheme will be set out at a later date.

And Tim hopes the funding means these facilities will go on being a vital resource as the nation looks to keep as healthy and active as possible in the months ahead.

“This £100m is welcome news for public sector leisure operators and is much needed given the challenges they are facing due to the pandemic,” he said.

“These facilities are vital for local communities, helping over 12.8m people across England to get active and driving 36% of all physical activity across the country.

“At a time when we recognise more than ever the importance of being active for both our physical and mental health, we must do everything we can to ensure the long-term survival of these facilities.

“We will continue to work closely with the government on the next steps.”