Public leisure centres are helping people from the most deprived communities to get active.
Our latest Moving Communities report shows an increase in people from areas classified as IMD 1-2 using public leisure facilities, compared to the 2023-24 figures*.
The report, published today, highlights that residents of IMD 1–2 areas accounted for 16% of all visits in 2024-25, with an average of 2,189 users per site.
There's also been an increase in the percentage of women using public leisure centres, as well as in the number of facilities being rated Very Good or Excellent in assessments, and an estimated social value of £3.63 billion from the centres reporting on Moving Communities.
Our executive director of place, Lisa Dodd-Mayne, welcomed the positive results from the report, but acknowledges there are still areas for improvement.
"At a time when the importance of health, wellbeing and community connection has never been clearer, Moving Communities continues to shine a light on how public leisure facilities serve communities and drive significant social value," she said.
"This year’s findings show real resilience across the public leisure sector. These are vital local assets that bring communities together, improve wellbeing and deliver value for money.
"The continued commitment to this important service from local authorities and operators has driven real progress in in showcasing the industry’s inclusive, welcoming and sustainable services, but there is still more we can collectively do to reach more deprived groups."
