Calls for Dedicated Sports Minister and Increased Funding
Scotland's sporting governing bodies have called on the next Scottish Government to appoint a dedicated sports minister, enhance efforts to attract major sporting events to the country, and uphold a commitment to double annual sports spending to £100 million.
A new Scottish Parliament election is scheduled for 7 May, and the Scottish Governing Body for Sport (SGBS) is urging all political parties to commit to manifesto pledges aimed at increasing sports funding.
However, the SGBS notes that:
"While the recent announcement of a £20m increase is welcome, sports organisations need greater confidence about the timing of the delivery of the rest of the increase to enable them to cope with continuing issues around rising costs, increased demand and pressures on club and community sport."
The organisation also advocates for the appointment of a full-time, dedicated sports minister, stating that:
"It is time to give sport a full-time, dedicated minister rather than it being buried within an existing portfolio."
Currently, the sports portfolio is combined with drugs and alcohol policy.
Legacy from Major Sporting Events and Funding Commitments
The SGBS emphasizes the importance of ensuring a lasting legacy from hosting events such as Glasgow 2026 and the Tour de France Grand Depart in 2027 by attracting more world and European sporting events to Scotland.
It highlights that the pledge to double sports funding to £100 million annually by 2026 was made in 2021, but prior to the January announcement of a £20 million increase for the following year, the government had not raised the annual sports budget.
The sporting bodies seek assurance that the remainder of the funding increase, anticipated in later years of the next Parliament, will be secured regardless of which party or coalition forms the next Scottish Government.
Statements from SGBS Leadership
SGBS Forum chair Doc McKelvey, who is also the chief executive of Scottish Gymnastics, commented:
"After years of serious financial challenges, we need to be confident that whoever forms the next Scottish Government will follow through on the funding commitment because while the uplift this year has been helpful, without the full level of committed support, sports governing bodies will still continue to struggle.
This Government's plan for a 'Summer of Sport' to celebrate our sporting success and encourage greater participation is very welcome but we need assurances on future funding that will enable all sports to build on that programme and deliver longer term positive outcomes."
Financial Pressures and Impact on Sports Organisations
The SGBS's recent Running on Empty campaign highlighted the financial difficulties faced by sports organisations in Scotland, noting that they have been "struggling to operate amid increasing financial pressures and standstill funding decisions over the last five years."
A survey conducted last year involving 30 Scottish sports organisations revealed that the stagnant budgets over recent years forced the majority to reduce costs, scale back programmes, and in some cases, lose staff to remain operational.
The campaign also indicated that these cuts have resulted in sports becoming less inclusive and less effective in contributing to desired public health outcomes.
Recommendations for Government Structure
The SGBS recommends that Scotland adopt a ministerial sports portfolio similar to that of the UK Government, which it describes as one that "puts sport first." It proposes:
"Establishing a clear and visible Minister for Sport and Active Life, aligned within the Health portfolio and working across government."
