A group of MPs including one from the borough have launched an inquiry into the importance of sport in northern towns as part of government levelling up efforts.

The Northern Culture Club, an All-Party Parliamentary Group co-chaired by Bury North MP James Daly launched the inquiry, A Question of Sport, on Wednesday, June 15.

The inquiry aims to analyse the role of sport in shaping the north’s cultural identity and value as well as its social and economic impact on northern communities.

The group is calling on “all those with a stake” in levelling up the north through sport to give evidence based on three main questions which aim to assess the value of sport and its role in levelling up.

 

 

Speaking about the aim of the all-parliamentary group, Mr Daly said: “For the MPs that make up NC APPG, we are determined to provide a strong voice in Parliament for Northern Culture for not just the cities of the North but smaller towns like my constituency of Bury North, who have great potential to flourish in the cultural sector but have sadly been hit by the pandemic.

"No matter your background or where you are from, you should have access to culture. The APPG are determined to make a difference and make sure Northern Culture has a roaring voice in Parliament.”

In January, the group launched its initial report into levelling up in the North, making 10 recommendations om reduce inequality between places and assisting with post-pandemic recovery.

Bury is included on a list of more than towns identified as a priority for additional Arts Council England investment and will receive a share of more than £40 million in funding between 2022-2026.

The government’s levelling up report, published in February, identified fan-led control of Bury FC and Gigg Lane as a particular example of how sport in towns across the UK can be made sustainable.

The Prime Minister Boris Johnson visited Gigg Lane in April following government plans for “major reform” of men’s football in England which included giving fans a greater role in the day-to-day running of clubs.