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Playing Fields and Sportsgrounds: Standards

Asked by Samantha NiblettLabourDepartment for Culture, Media and SportTabled Answered 13 April 2026UIN 123443

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the condition and usability of publicly accessible sports pitches and playing fields in England since 2020; and how many (a) have been classified as fully usable, (b) require minor repair and (c) are out of use.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock

The Government is committed to ensuring that everyone has access to quality sports pitches and playing fields.

According to Sport England’s Active Places database, as of March 2026, there are currently 53,531 operational publicly accessible sports pitches in England, and 5,066 out of use.

Our Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme provides capital investment for new and improved grassroots facilities. £85m will be invested through the programme in the UK in 2026/27.

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