Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the District Councils' Network on the safe opening of leisure facilities following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Leisure facilities and gyms play a crucial role in supporting people to be active and the Government is committed to reopening sports and physical activity facilities as soon as it is safe to do so.

We are holding regular discussions with representatives from the leisure sector, national sports organisations and local authorities to support the opening of facilities in a timely and safe manner once lockdown measures are eased. The Minister for Sport discussed some of these matters directly with the District Council Network at one of its weekly conference calls on Monday 8 June.

As with all aspects of the Government’s response to Covid-19, we will be guided by the science to ensure that as restrictions are eased people can return to activity safely.