Taking a local government perspective for economic evaluation of a population-level programme to promote exercise

A Scoping Review Exploring Whether a Free “Offer” Devalues or Widens Sport and Physical Activity Participation Amongst Children and Young Adults Aged 0–25?

“…This is significant because if need or pressure for profitability and income generation outweighs public good then subsidized or free offers are not likely to be favorable at the decision making level. Especially as Candio et al ( 2021 ) highlights reaching the deprived and inactive can be 4.7 times more costly. Therefore, this research encourages us to ask to what extent is public good, including widening participation in sport and physical activity and reducing inequalities valued in comparison to other factors or competing priorities such as income generation.…”

“…Additionally there were two noteworthy articles that were excluded during the screening process due to the research not meeting the inclusion criteria of being an intervention within the 0–25 demographic. These research articles instead, explored the stakeholder perceptions namely at the local government (Candio et al, 2021 ) and local authority level (Halliday et al, 2018 ) of providing cost effective incentives to promote physical activity engagement.…”

“…Candio et al ( 2021 ) took a local government perspective for economic evaluation and articulated how this approach may affect economic conclusions. This research highlights the wider metrics, voices and actors guiding, informing and evaluating success in this arena.…”

“…An awareness of the information and the metrics valued by decision makers and potentially budget holders is key, in understanding the wider landscape of promoting physical activity. In relation to our research question “Does a free “offer” devalue or widen sport and physical activity participation amongst children and young adults aged 0-25?” It could be extended to include “… and at what cost” in light of Candio et al ( 2021 ) research. There may also be some important awareness advocacy work to be conducted in this space as the true cost may be far more than many may estimate.…”

“…There may also be some important awareness advocacy work to be conducted in this space as the true cost may be far more than many may estimate. Candio et al ( 2021 ) in their research found from a local government perspective, attracting a local resident to the programme (i.e. registration) was estimated at a cost of £2.77 per person/year.…”