Sport England told us that lots of sports facilities providers had used their organisational reserves to stay afloat during the pandemic and were now in a precarious financial position. The Department also recognised that “many clubs are coming out of a really difficult period and many clubs are struggling”.51 We received written evidence from the Local Government Association, which told us that the total energy bill for the leisure sector had risen from £500 million in 2019 to between £1–1.2...

Sport England told us that lots of sports facilities providers had used their organisational reserves to stay afloat during the pandemic and were now in a precarious financial position. The Department also recognised that “many clubs are coming out of a really difficult period and many clubs are struggling”.51 We received written evidence from the Local Government Association, which told us that the total energy bill for the leisure sector had risen from £500 million in 2019 to between £1–1.2 billion for 2022.52 We also 45 Q 48; C&AG’s report, para 2.23, Figure 11 46 Q 42 47 Correspondence to the chair submitted by Sport England, 14 November Type: conclusion | Number: 29 | Response status: not_addressed Government response: 7. PAC conclusion: The Department does not know if leisure facilities are financially sustainable or are delivering the sports facilities that communities need. 7. PAC recommendation: The Department should urgently review the condition of leisure facilities and, w