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Written question asked by Lord Goodman of Wycombe (Conservative) on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 22 September 2026. It was answered by Baroness Blake of Leeds (Labour) on Thursday, 24 September 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Community Relations

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government with reference to the command paper Protecting What Matters published on 9 March 2026, what youth, sport and community infrastructure will receive £750 million over the next four years.

Answer

The referenced Protecting What Matters commitment is being led by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). DCMS is investing £400 million in new and upgraded grassroots sports facilities through to 2030.

In 2026/27, this includes the following commitments:

  • £85 million will be invested through the Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme to build and upgrade pitches and facilities UK-wide, funding projects such as artificial grass pitches, changing rooms, and floodlights. This funding is designed to benefit the areas most in need, with 50% of investment going to the 30% most deprived areas in the UK. At least 40% of funded projects have a multi-sport offer, and the programme also aims to increase access and participation levels for under-represented groups, including women and girls, across the UK.
  • The UK Government and NBA will invest £5 million each into basketball and basketball-led multi-sport facilities in England.
  • At least £2.5 million will be invested via the Lawn Tennis Association into covered courts in England for tennis, padel and other activities, and additional funding to enable a wider range of sporting bodies to trial innovative funding pathways.
  • £3 million will be invested via the England and Wales Cricket Board to build covered, all-weather multi-sport domes in Birmingham, Bolton, Derby, Newcastle, and Nottingham.

Additionally, DCMS’ Youth Matters Fund is a merged capital and revenue fund that will provide over £400 million over the next few years to enable youth organisations across the country to deliver high-quality youth work and activities as well as refurbish or build up to 250 youth facilities. Further details on when it will open to applicants, along with guidance on the application process and eligibility criteria, will be announced in the coming weeks.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL3248
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Community relations Finance Infrastructure Young people Sports
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk