This report investigates the effectiveness and efficiency of local authority support for sport in England and Wales during the late 1980s. The Audit Commission, a public body established to promote economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in local government, produced this analysis. It draws upon data collected from various local authorities and sports organizations to assess current practices and identify areas for improvement in resource allocation and service delivery.

This report is likely regarded as a significant, albeit dated, document for understanding historical approaches to public sports policy in the UK. Its findings and recommendations would have informed contemporary debates on local government's role in promoting physical activity and community sports. The Audit Commission's work typically aimed for practical, evidence-based guidance for public sector managers and policymakers.