Published today by Sport England, the latest social value model highlights the critical role of sport and physical activity in improving wellbeing, reducing healthcare costs and boosting the economy.
The research was carried out in partnership with Sheffield Hallam University, Manchester Metropolitan University and social value advisors State of Life.
Through in-depth analysis of Active Lives data, plus reviewing wider evidence for the health benefits of being active (including the costs associated with the treatment and care of illness and poor health), the research reveals the profound social and economic benefits of sport and physical activity for communities across England.
The key findings from the report show that:
- Nearly £6bn is saved in productivity gains from a healthier workforce taking fewer sick days
- There's £8bn in direct net savings to the healthcare system through illness prevention, reducing pressure on the NHS
- Active lifestyles prevent more than 3.3 million cases of chronic health conditions a year - including 1.3m cases of depression, 900,000 cases of back pain and 700,000 cases of type 2 diabetes
- Community sport and physical activity deliver a £36.2bn boost to the economy through Gross Value Added (GVA) – the measure of the value of goods and services produced in an area, industry or sector of an economy – and job creation
- £14bn in tax revenue is generated – a return of approximately 6-7 times the public investment in sport and physical activity
- For every £1 invested in community sport and physical activity, £4.38 is generated for economy and society –up from £4.20 in 2022/23.
However, the benefits of being physically active are still not evenly spread across the population. Nearly £20 billion more social value would be generated if the physical activity levels of the least active groups in society increased to match those of the most active groups.
Sport England Chief Executive Simon Hayes said: “Health is wealth, and today’s research publication 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 – particularly for communities and people that face the most barriers to taking part – the nation will be healthier, wealthier, and happier.”
Professor Girish Ramchandani, from the School of Sport and Physical Activity at Sheffield Hallam University, led the research.
Prof Ramchandani said: “Our contribution to this study evidences the direct and indirect cost savings that being physically active generates year-on-year through health benefits for participants, which in turn has a positive impact on their wellbeing. For the first time, we have been able to place a value on productivity losses avoided due to participation in sport and physical activity in England.
“The combined social and economic value of community sport and physical activity in England continues to produce a positive return on investment, which is a highly encouraging finding for the sector.”
