Labour Failing on Sports and Leisure

3.23.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 19th Jun 2006

Labour failing on Sport and Leisure

Responding to the Audit Commission report into the provision of public sports and recreation services, Liberal Democrat Campaigner for Southampton Test and Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture in the City, Steve Sollitt said:

"The content of this report is far from surprising. Over the last ten years we've seen dramatic increases in obesity, fewer people playing sport, and a lack of new public facilities being built.

"Labour would like to blame local government, but in reality complex funding initiatives and too much pressure on local government funds has left sports facilities high and dry.

"We need fewer schemes, less bureaucracy, and clear leadership if we are to maximise the benefits from the Olympics in 2012."