The percentage of adults participating in at least 30 minutes moderate intensity sport and active recreation (including recreational walking) on 3 or more days a week

The participation indicator is a priority measure for sport and active recreation in England. It is aligned to the DCMS Public Service Agreement (PSA) target for sports participation that is also reflected in The Framework for Sport in England and the nine regional plans for sport. Participating in sport and active recreation on at least three days a week for 30 minutes duration and for at least moderate levels of intensity, will make a significant contribution towards achieving the health outcomes associated with an active nation i.e. this will contribe to the overall levels of physical activity as specified by the CMO which is at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity activity on 5 or more days a week. This frequency of commitment to participation in sport and active recreation will also increase the likelihood of longer term sustained involvement and maximise the opportunity for sport to deliver on other wider well being and social and economic objectives of local authorities.

For more information on how this indicator was applied in the culture service assessment for 2008, including the relevant thresholds and any specific treatment, please contact the Audit Commission: 0207 166 2394, or refer to CPA: The Harder Test 2008.

How is this indicator be collected?
What does a LA need to provide?
What are the associated costs?
When will the data be available?
Does this indicator apply to all local authorities?
How do I calculate my CPA score?
How is this indicator be collected?
The Active People Survey has been developed to specifically collect information to provide a robust and reliable measure of the participation and volunteering indicators. Ipsos MORI were commissioned to carry out the survey in 2005/6 on behalf of Sport England. The survey is being repeated in 2007/8 (Active People Survey 2) and 2008/9 with 500 adults from each local authority being surveyed in each year. More information.
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What does an LA need to provide?
There are no specific demands on local authorities associated with this survey. It is commissioned and managed by Sport England and the results are provided to local authorities electronically.
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What are the associated costs?
Sport England will fund the cost of the surveys in the first year. Thus, there will be no cost to local authorities.
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When will the information be available?
The Active People Survey was conducted between October 2005 and October 2006.  The results are now available. The Active People Survey 2 is being conducted between October 2007 and October 2008.  
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Does this indicator apply to all local authorities?
This indicator will only be included in the culture service assessment for single tier authorities.  For County and District Councils performance will be reviewed, where appropriate, through the corporate assessment
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How do I calculate my CPA score?
The data that will be used in the 2008 culture service assessment will be based on participation rates from the results of the full year Active People Survey, adjusted by levels of local deprivation as measured by IMD (Index of multiple deprivation). For further information on adjusting results for deprivation, please contact the Audit Commission: 0207 166 2394, or refer to CPA: The Harder Test 2008.
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