While the UK government’s spending review didn’t include a name check for fitness, health, wellness or prevention, the plans open up opportunities for the sector in many areas of public life

Leaks relating to the UK government’s first Spending Review – after one year in power – ranged widely, from rumours about the shuttering of the DCMS to the disbandment of multiple quangos. No doubt this was designed to make everyone grateful to hear that actually, the DCMS is ‘only’ facing a 15 per cent cut in funding over the next six years and independent bodies a 25 per cent cut.

In spite of this, the review was full of opportunity. Of course, it would have been great to get a name check for physical activity, wellness and prevention – all notably absent – but much is happening with which we can engage and with the NHS 10-Year Plan imminent as well, we’re entering a crucial lobbying window when we need to fight like never before for our capabilities to be seen.

There will be £39 billion for affordable homes. Let’s make sure these are built with wellness integrations, such as access to greenspace, cycle paths and suitable facilities for exercise.

Education will get an additional £2 billion and 500 new schools will be built – we need to fight to ensure they have wellness built in, with space to exercise and be mindful, greenspace and the opportunity to learn self care, as well as kitchens set up for the preparation of healthy food.

Around 14,000 new prison places will be built – again, inmates need the opportunity to learn a healthier way of life as part of their rehabilitation and to be able to exercise while incarcerated.

The biggest opportunity, however, lies with the health service, which will get an extra £53 billion in this parliament, taking spending to £226 billion a year.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said this is in part to “bring the NHS’s analogue systems into the digital age”, including the NHS App, so patients can “manage their appointments and get test results all in one place”.

What an opportunity there is for us to integrate with this new tech to ensure the NHS starts to pivot to prevention and health, while at the same time supporting people who need medical interventions.

Around 80 per cent of disease is lifestyle-related and can be eliminated or controlled by healthy living, with exercise being the most effective change agent.

We need to make a powerful case for the many contributions our sector can make to society and the economy – including in target areas such as housing, education, the justice system and health – while also being clear with government about the support and recognition we need as a sector to thrive.