New funding aims to end the ‘postcode lottery’ for physical activity

Sport England is investing £250 million of National Lottery and Exchequer funding into more than 90 places across England until 2028

Sport England has launched a major expansion of its Place Partnerships, announcing 27 new locations across the country where it will work with communities to tackle high rates of inactivity. 

Each of these places, which are listed here, ranks in the top 20% nationally for inactivity, social need, deprivation and health inequality.

This initiative represents the latest stage of Sport England's commitment to ending the ‘postcode lottery’ for physical activity – ensuring that where you live does not dictate how long you live, or the opportunities you have to be active. 

It is investing £250 million of National Lottery and Exchequer funding into more than 90 places across England until 2028, delivering on the aims of our Uniting the Movement strategy and supporting the government’s wider goals of improving health, growing local economies, and building stronger, fairer communities.

Place Partnerships work with local organisations to create lasting change within the communities that need it most, to ensure that more people can live active and healthier lives for longer. Active Partnerships are central to this, says Sport England: "With their local knowledge, trusted relationships and ability to bring partners together, they are uniquely placed to lead, broker and catalyse place-based working. We are proud to work with and through them, not just as delivery partners, but as strategic system leaders."

Andy Taylor, chief executive of the Active Partnerships National Organisation, says: "The investment from Sport England into place partnerships, many of which are led by Active Partnerships from across our nation-wide network, is ensuring that funding is reaching the communities in England that need it the most."

Sport England chief executive Simon Hayes said: "Sport and exercise are a fantastic way for people to connect with their communities," Simon said. "However, if you live in a less wealthy place, the less active you are. 

"That’s why we focus our resources on places where they can have the most impact – so children and young people in lower-income areas like Blackpool have places to go and take part in sport and activity.

"Making exercise a normal part of life for everyone, all over the country, drives major social and economic value; active lifestyles save the health system £8 billion a year. 

"If everybody can take part in sport and exercise – regardless of background, bank balance or postcode – we will all be healthier, wealthier and happier."