Brent children’s inactivity costs NHS £5.2bn as playground funds announced
Labour government allocates £18m to renovate playgrounds in deprived areas after Sport England report
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Brent’s children are less active than previous generations, with fewer opportunities to play outside. A Sport England report found that only 42% of children and young people in the borough are classed as active. The decline has coincided with rising childhood obesity, as 38% of Year 6 pupils in Brent were recorded as overweight or obese.
The lack of private outdoor space compounds the problem. Data from the Office for National Statistics shows that 22,685 homes in Brent have no access to a garden or similar area. Parents and carers have cited the rising cost of activities as a barrier to keeping children active.
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Economic case for activity
Physical activity delivers measurable economic benefits. Research by Sheffield Hallam University estimated that it generates £9.5bn in value, including £5.2bn in healthcare savings. The figures reflect reduced costs from preventing serious health conditions linked to inactivity.
The Labour government has responded with a £18m fund to renovate and create playgrounds in deprived areas. The budget allocation was announced in the last financial statement. The funding aims to provide local, affordable and accessible spaces for children to play.
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Local initiatives
Zaffar Van Kalwala, a former Brent councillor, runs the Super Kickz football project. The scheme is free for all Brent children and young people. More than 1,300 children attended sessions this year. Van Kalwala said the goal is not to create elite athletes but to help children discover the fun of being active with others.
“The goal should not be to turn every Brent child into the next Raheem Sterling or an Olympic athlete, but to help them discover the fun of playing and being active with other children.”
Zaffar Van Kalwala, former Brent councillor
Van Kalwala suggested that developer contributions from new housing schemes could fund community access to school outdoor facilities. Partnerships with organisations like the Queens Park Rangers Community Trust could extend opening hours beyond school terms. Activities could include dance, cycling, skating or basketball, catering to different interests.
What happens next
The £18m government fund will be distributed to local authorities in deprived areas. Brent Council has not yet confirmed how much it will receive or which playgrounds will be prioritised. Residents can contact the council to suggest locations or volunteer with local sports projects.
Questions this report answers
+How many Brent children are classed as active?
Only 42% of Brent’s children and young people meet the activity guidelines set by Sport England. The figure is based on a report published by the organisation, which tracks physical activity levels across England.
+What is the government doing to improve playground access?
The Labour government has allocated £18m to renovate and create playgrounds in deprived areas. The funding was announced in the last budget and aims to provide local, affordable spaces for children to play outside.
+How much does physical activity save the NHS?
Physical activity is estimated to save the NHS £5.2bn annually, according to research by Sheffield Hallam University. The figure is part of a wider £9.5bn economic benefit from preventing serious health conditions linked to inactivity.
+What can Brent residents do to support local children’s activities?
Residents can contact Brent Council to suggest playground locations or volunteer with local sports projects. Initiatives like the Super Kickz football project, run by former councillor Zaffar Van Kalwala, are free for all Brent children and young people.
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