Policy Yorkshire Statement following the publication of the Levelling Up Whitepaper.
Policy Yorkshire today publishes proposals on how to improve rates of physical and sporting activity. Doing so has the potential to play a major part in achieving 'Levelling Up' ambitions across Yorkshire and the Humber, more relevant than ever today as both the public sector and families face huge financial pressures.
The paper has been developed by Policy Yorkshire's Active Lifestyle Group . The Group has brought together leaders working across the region who share an ambition to see the region as leading the way in ensuring that everyone is active and that this supports the complex challenges of reducing health inequalities, enables a growing inclusive economy and helps mitigate climate change.
As the document notes, physical activity levels vary significantly across the region from less than 1 in 5 (19.2%) in Craven to 38.6% of people in Hull. The cost of physical inactivity to the economy is significant, with estimates suggesting that it costs the UK £7.4 billion annually (including £0.9 billion to the NHS alone). Conversely, for every £1 spent on community sport and physical activity in England, an economic and social return on investment of almost £4 is generated. Encouraging and supporting active lifestyles therefore provides an important opportunity to support economic growth across the region.
Policy Yorkshire Active Lifestyles Group is made up of
