As Chancellor Rachel Reeves prepares to deliver the Autumn Budget on Wednesday, leaders from across the United Kingdom's vast sport sector are voicing their urgent priorities. From the grassroots to the elite level, the industry is calling for strategic government support to secure its future economic and social contributions.
Major Events and Economic Growth
Jack Buckner, CEO of UK Athletics, emphasised the critical need for investment in major sporting events. He stated that these events are not only profitable and generate significant income but also bring the nation together. With the current challenges of hosting such events in the UK, government backing would provide the confidence needed to submit competitive bids and deliver world-class spectacles that offer a substantial economic impact.
Echoing the call for a growth-oriented approach, Chris Aylett, CEO of the Motorsport Industry Association, urged the government to recognise the value of 'Motorsport Valley'. He cited major American investments from companies like General Motors' Cadillac and Liberty Media as proof of the sector's global appeal. Aylett called for the retention or enhancement of R&D tax credits, noting that 14% of the industry's income relies on them, and highlighted that 90% of its companies are export-ready and eager to find new markets.
The Grassroots and Financial Pressure
The call for reform to business rates was a consistent theme. Lisa Wainwright, CEO of the Sport and Recreation Alliance, argued that such reforms could have a substantial financial impact across the entire sector. She is calling for maximum relief for properties and, crucially, an exemption for sport and recreation facilities from the new higher-rate multiplier. Many facilities already operate on tight margins, and added costs risk reducing public access to vital opportunities for physical activity.
This sentiment was shared by Mark Rhydderch-Roberts, Chairman of Glamorgan Cricket, who noted that business rates are one of the largest fixed costs for many clubs. Relief would free up funds for immediate reinvestment into coaching and facilities. He also stressed the need for fiscal predictability to give investors confidence and called for support to modernise ageing cricket pavilions with green technology like heat pumps and solar panels.
Football's Community Lifeline
In the world of football, the financial pressures are acutely felt. Liam Scully, CEO of Lincoln City, identified labour-related costs as a significant pressure, meaning any change to National Insurance would directly impact financial planning. He also highlighted the importance of the public's disposable income, as lower-league clubs rely heavily on matchday revenue. Stability in energy costs is also vital for running stadiums and community programmes.
Scully expressed a wider concern about policy decisions that increase fixed operating costs without recognising the financial realities of clubs outside the top divisions. He called for a commitment to community sport through targeted relief and incentives.
At the semi-professional level, Marc White, owner and manager of Dorking Wanderers, pointed out that football clubs are not profit-making entities. He emphasised the social dividends of investment in grassroots football, including reducing obesity and crime. However, rising costs for floodlighting and struggling local sponsors are creating headwinds. With huge demand for participation—his club has 600 young players largely due to the popularity of women's football—he called for more accessible grants for clubs with limited facilities.
Racing and the Regulated Betting Sector
The interconnected relationship between betting and sport was also on the agenda. Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), warned that any tax increase on the regulated betting sector would be "bad news for horse racing." She explained that racing is an expensive product with small margins, and if operator costs rise, funding for the sport is likely to be cut.
BGC members already contribute around £350 million to horse racing annually through the levy, media rights, and sponsorship. Hurst expressed deep concern that any tax hike would be a blow to British high streets, workers, customers, and the wider sports, including rugby league, darts, and snooker, that benefit from betting industry investment.
As the Budget announcement looms, the unified message from UK sport is clear: strategic government support is not a cost, but an essential investment in the nation's economic growth, community health, and national morale.
