Wales falling behind Europe in culture and sport spending, report finds

It is known as the land of song and as one of the world's most passionate sporting nations. But a major report has concluded that Wales is languishing behind almost all other European countries in spending on recreational, sporting and cultural services.

- Steven Morris

The report from the Welsh parliament's cross-party culture and sport committee found Wales was third bottom in government funding for recreation and sport, ahead of only Poland and Latvia. In culture, only Greece spent less.

Iceland and Luxembourg were the biggest spenders in the two categories, while the UK as a whole was fifth from bottom in both.

The Welsh government spends £59.75 per person a year on recreation and sport, according to the report, compared with the UK's £66.18, Iceland's £978.51 and Luxembourg's £483.46. Wales invests £69.68 per person in cultural services and the UK £91.12. Iceland ploughs in £691.60, Luxembourg £500.90.