ABSTRACT
This chapter sets out to provide a brief resumé of developments in sports provision from an historical perspective, linking key moments to changes in different sectors. Debates around policy issues are related to the contemporary political, social and economic contexts. A number of important themes emerge, in particular the changing role of local government as both direct provider of services and facilitator for partnerships, working with and through the voluntary and commercial sectors. The historical perspective taken here examines and reflects upon policy and practice experienced in the public sector and how these relate to other players in the sporting arena. Over recent years financial and marketled pressures have become more prevalent alongside changing economic and cultural values. At the highest levels of central government, political enthusiasm for sport has fluctuated but a significant level of interest in sport and recreation has always been evident. However, since 1997 the policies of the New Labour government have driven a sporting agenda based around the search for improved international performance and the need for sport to fulfil wider social objectives relating to health, inclusion, employment, crime reduction and urban regeneration.
