A significant economic opportunity is being presented to Chancellor Rachel Reeves ahead of her Autumn Budget, with a new report highlighting a massive potential return from investing in the nation's fitness.
The £20bn Opportunity in Movement
Sport England has publicly urged the Treasury not to overlook community sport and physical activity initiatives in the upcoming financial statement. The public body has presented compelling evidence that targeted investment could yield a substantial £20bn boost for the UK.
This financial benefit would be realised through a combination of healthcare savings, illness prevention, higher productivity, and improved public wellbeing. The call to action focuses particularly on supporting the least active groups in society, including those from lower-income backgrounds, disabled people, and ethnic minorities.
A Compelling Return on Investment
The core of the argument rests on a powerful statistic: for every £1 invested in community sport and physical activity, £4.38 is generated for the wider economy and society. This more than four-to-one return demonstrates the profound economic value of getting the nation moving.
Active lifestyles alone are calculated to deliver £8bn in savings for the healthcare system, alleviating pressure on the NHS. Sport England chair, Chris Boardman, emphasised the scale of the issue, stating, "Inactivity is quietly draining our economy, health system, and our communities – but we can change that. Excitingly, the solution is right in front of us: movement."
Final Call Before the Budget
With Chancellor Reeves finalising her plans for the highly anticipated Autumn Budget, set for announcement on 26 November 2025, the message from the sports sector is clear. Despite the pressure to address a significant fiscal gap, Sport England insists that this type of strategic spending must be protected.
This view is supported by England’s chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, who said, "More needs to be done to remove barriers and support particular deprived groups to engage in sport, exercise and wider physical activity."
Simon Hayes, Chief Executive of Sport England, concluded with a powerful summary: "Health is wealth, and our research confirms this. Sport and exercise are vital to our economy and society and must be part of the solution to big problems. By protecting and investing in opportunities to be active, the nation will be healthier, wealthier, and happier."
