Across the UK, the narrative around ‘leisure’ is undergoing a quiet but profound shift. Recognised for what they truly are, essential social infrastructure, leisure services sit at the heart of public health. They help people stay active, support prevention, improve physical and mental wellbeing and ease pressure on stretched health systems. They also bring communities together and support local economies.

At the same time, councils face continued pressure when resources are tight, expectations are rising and demand for community interventions continues to rise. So, the question sharpens: How do we shape leisure, health, sport and cultural services that are affordable, improve wellbeing and deliver real impact for people and places?

Redefining “Affordable”