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Dept for Culture Media and Sport

Answer

Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what plans she has to expand access to sports and fitness services for young people on low incomes; [218796] (2) what plans she has to expand access to sports and fitness services for elderly people on low incomes; [218797] (3) what plans she has to expand access to sports and fitness services for disabled people on low incomes. [218798] Mr. Caborn: My Department has a Public Service Agreement target to increase, by 2008, the take-up of cultural and sporting opportunities by people aged 16 and above from priority groups. The Department's Funding Agreement with Sport England sets a target to increase the proportion of the population engaged in regular physical activity by 1 per cent. per annum, and focuses on developing participation among specific sections of the population, including young people and the most economically disadvantaged groups in society. The Equality Standard for Sport, launched last year, is a framework to guide sports and community organisations towards achieving equality. Its aim is to widen access and increase the participation and involvement in sport and physical activity from under- represented individuals, groups, and communities. It will assist organisations in developing structures and processes, assessing performance, and ensuring continuous improvement in equality. Progress through The Standard is a mandatory condition within the national funding agreements involving Sport England, National Governing Bodies of Sport, and national and regional sports organisations in England.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

431 c1322-3W;431 c1316-7W; 218796;218797;218798

Session

2004-05

Subjects

Access Disability Facilities Pensioners Low incomes Older people Young people Sports Take-up Exercise

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk