UK Sport Receives Funding Boost

26 Nov 2015 | tshego

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UK Sport has been given a 29% increase in funding in the government’s autumn Spending Review, after the agency – which looks after Britain’s elite Olympic and Paralympic athletes – had previously been fearing cuts.

Now, paired with National Lottery funding, UK Sport’s income will reach around £148m for the build up towards the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Chair of UK Sport Rod Carr commented: “This clearly demonstrates the government’s continued commitment and confidence in UK Sport’s strategy to deliver results at successive Olympic and Paralympic Games and our world-class major events hosting ability.”

Chancellor of the exchequer George Osborne also said that extra support would be given to hosting bids for the Road World Cycling Championships and the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.

Meanwhile, the UK Anti-Doping agency also received a budget increase on Wednesday, with £400,000 (approximately 7%) going into the overall funds, despite previous fears of a cut by up to 25%.

Sports minister Tracey Crouch told BBC Sport: “This settlement recognises the wider value of sport in society and how it plays an important role in boosting the economy.

“The increase in funding will support our elite athletes in the run-up to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, grow the grassroots to get more people involved in sport and promote clean sport in the UK and beyond.”