September 23rd, 2008
Local authorities dive in for £140 million free swimming fund
Nine million people over 60 are set to get free swimming as Culture Secretary Andy Burnham today announced that more than 80 per cent of local authorities are to join a Government scheme. The initiative is part of a £140 million Government investment in the sport that also includes free swimming for those aged 16 and under and capital for local authorities to upgrade pools. For the over 60s, 300 out of 354 local authorities have confirmed that they will participate, offering free swimming to this age group between 2009 and 2011. For the under 16s, 296 local authorities have expressed their interest in claiming their share of the £50 million fund for this age group, that will also be invested between 2009 and 2011. Those local authorities that opt in for both the over 60s and under 16s pots will also share a £10 million capital fund, for 2008 / 09, to modernise and improve swimming pools.
24 September 2008
© Department for Culture, Media And Sport (National)
September 24th, 2008 at 4:37 am
An article in the Times newspaper on 20th September set the number of participating councils at 270 out of 354 and not the higher figure of 300 as given here.
There are potential drawbacks to this scheme, with the main one being a potential shortfall between the Govt’s allocation to local councils and the actual cost of delivery. The DCMS is already urging councils to work “creatively” with other possible funding partners, so this would suggest they are aware that the £140 million pot will not cover the full costs of “free swimming.” Moreover, the funding is only offered for two years initially and some local authorities have said they don’t want to provide something which may have to be withdrawn so soon or fully funded from local council tax.
I am unhappy that capital funding is only being offered to those who opt in to the free swimming scheme. Councils who have stated that they are not willing to sign a blank cheque for Mr Burnham’s offer will not be able to access capital funds either.