Parliament Workbench
Data: Motions & questions to 19 Nov 2026

Written Question · S7W-01227 · Session 7

What measures are in place to help ensure that all children can access extracurricular activities regardless of family income, in light of …

Answered Asked by Laura Moodie Green Lodged 22 Jun 2026

The question

To ask the Scottish Government what measures are in place to help ensure that all children can access extracurricular activities regardless of family income, in light of evidence suggesting that cost remains a significant barrier to participation.

The answer

Answered by Maree Todd on 20 Jul 2026 · 28 days after it was lodged, on time

The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that all children and young people can access extracurricular activities, regardless of family income, and we recognise that cost remains a significant barrier for some families.We are taking forward a range of measures to reduce these barriers.We continue to support the Active Schools programme, which provides free opportunities for children and young people to participate in sport and physical activity before, during and after the school day across all local authority areas, ensuring access irrespective of socio-economic background.Our Summer of Sport investment is also providing opportunities for children and young people to take part in free and low-cost sporting activities this year. The aim is to create opportunities for children and young people, particularly those facing disadvantage, to get active, stay active, and enjoy the benefits of physical activity. We want children and young people to benefit from an inclusive system which leads to longer-term participation.We recognise the importance of children and young people having the opportunity to take part in a wide range of hobbies, such as sport, music and the arts. We are engaging with key stakeholders to consider the overall landscape of provision across Scotland in order to better understand the barriers families face and identify further action to ensure all children can access the hobbies they enjoy.These actions are part of our broader efforts, including through the Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan, to reduce costs for families and ensure that all children have the opportunity to benefit from activities that support their wellbeing, confidence and development.

In the Official Report

No contribution in the Official Report cites S7W-01227 by reference.