Scarborough & Whitby MP Calls For "Northern Sporting Powerhouse" to Level Up Communities

Scarborough and Whitby MP Alison Hume, co-chair of the Northern Culture All-Party Parliamentary Group (NCAPPG), has thrown her weight behind a campaign to boost investment in the North's sporting economy.

Alison Hume, along with sporting and cultural leaders from across the region, is pushing for the creation of a "Northern Sporting Powerhouse", emphasizing the critical role sport plays in the North's culture and economy.

This call to action follows the launch of the NCAPPG's "Question of Sport" report, a comprehensive inquiry into the cultural value of sport to the North. The report underscores the deep roots of sports like football and rugby in Northern cities and towns, highlighting their role as cornerstones of the region's cultural heritage.

Ms Hume stated in a recent press release:

"Football and rugby have their roots in our northern cities and towns and for decades have continued to bring communities together, foster pride in local identity, and they have become the cornerstone of the North's cultural heritage and brand."

The report champions sport not just as a cultural asset but also as an economic engine. Citing the significant return on investment in major sporting events, the report estimates that for every £1 invested, an estimated £6 is returned to local communities. These events, according to the report, act as catalysts for economic growth, driving increased footfall on high streets and invigorating the visitor economy.

Beyond the economic benefits, the report emphasizes the transformative social impact of sport. It positions sport as a "social equaliser," fostering inclusion and resilience within communities. The report asserts that sport provides young people with valuable life skills, such as teamwork and self-discipline, while also contributing to reduced crime rates and fostering a greater interest in educational achievement.

The MP explained:

The "Question of Sport" report, compiled through a series of evidence sessions held between January 2023 and January 2024, underscores the inextricable link between sport and culture in the North. The inquiry heard testimonies from a wide range of stakeholders, including athletes, coaches, community leaders, and representatives from sporting institutions.

A key theme that emerged from the inquiry was the need for a "whole systems approach" to maximize the cultural and economic value of sport in the North. This approach calls for breaking down silos between arts, culture, and sports funding, fostering cross-government collaboration, and empowering local authorities to lead initiatives.

The report advocates for a shift in funding strategies, pushing for long-term investments that support existing successful programmes rather than focusing on short-term initiatives. It also urges for simplified grant applications, making funding more accessible to grassroots organizations.

The report makes a compelling case for devolving a greater proportion of sports funding to Metro Mayor/Combined Authority levels. This devolution, the report argues, would allow for more targeted and impactful investment, aligning funding decisions with the specific needs of local communities.

Furthermore, the report highlights the importance of prioritizing investments in areas with the greatest need, suggesting the use of indices of multiple deprivation to guide funding allocation. This targeted approach, the report argues, would ensure that resources are directed towards communities facing the most significant challenges.

"The North needs easy and effective funding pots and places," 

the report states, emphasizing the need for streamlined and equitable funding mechanisms.

Central to the report's recommendations is the recognition of sport's broader contribution to societal well-being. The report calls for acknowledging the positive secondary effects of sport on health and well-being, advocating for its inclusion in health strategies and active travel initiatives.

The report also calls for a renewed focus on preserving and maintaining existing sporting infrastructure, such as swimming pools and green spaces. It warns against the potential loss of valuable facilities due to funding cuts and urges for investment to safeguard these vital community assets.

"A balance needs to be struck between investing in the new, investing in time limited ‘programmes’ and ensuring survival of the existing infrastructure," 

the report cautions.

The report's vision extends beyond traditional sporting arenas, advocating for the creation of "Culture and Sport Hubs" across the North. These hubs would serve as vibrant community spaces, integrating sport with other aspects of cultural life, such as arts, heritage, and tourism. This integrated approach aims to leverage the power of sport to drive positive change across multiple facets of society.

The "Question of Sport" report concludes with a powerful call to action, urging the government to recognize the transformative potential of sport in the North. It presents a roadmap for unlocking the cultural and economic value of sport, leading to safer, happier communities, improved public health, reduced inequalities, and a more skilled and productive workforce.

Ms. Hume added: