Analysis of the latest Family Spending in the UK survey shows a significant gap in weekly spending on sport and physical activity between the least and most affluent households.
- Lowest 10% by disposable income: £1.40 per week on sports admissions, subscriptions, leisure class fees and equipment hire.
- Highest 10% by disposable income: £18.70 per week.
- This represents a 13‑fold difference in spending.
Across all UK households, average weekly expenditure in the broader ‘Recreation and Culture’ category includes:
- £6.50 on sports admissions, subscriptions, leisure class fees and equipment hire
- £6.20 on TV, video and streaming subscriptions
- £2.40 on cinema, theatre and museums
- £1.50 on miscellaneous entertainments
- £1.20 on gambling payments
These figures highlight both the overall level of spending on recreation and the pronounced inequality in the ability to pay for participation in sport.
