End of Over Sixties Free Swimming

Published on 16 July 2010

Government funded free swimming for people over 60 comes to an end from 1 August 2010. The scheme was one of the first to be stopped by the new Coalition Government as it seeks public sector savings. User of Council-owned pools in Epping Forest District will find charges reintroduced at a concessionary rate for anyone over 60 years of age.

All councils that took up the funding offer for free swimming launched by the Government in April 2009 will see the grants end as the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) seeks to find national savings of £73 million.

According to research carried out on behalf of DCMS, the scheme had not delivered value for money. Figures published recently showed that the majority of those participating in the scheme would have gone swimming anyway, even if they had to pay, and that the scheme had not significantly increased physical activity. Analysis showed that the cost of the scheme outweighed the health benefits.

The Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport, Jeremy Hunt said: “We are facing an unprecedented financial situation in this country, and it is essential that we act now to reduce the country’s debt. As part of my department’s contribution, we have examined a number of schemes to determine whether they remain a Government priority, value for money, and affordable in the current economic climate.”

Commenting on the decision, Sport and Olympics Minister Hugh Robertson said: “This is not a decision that gives me any pleasure. However, the research shows that the great majority of free swimmers were swimming already, and would have paid to swim anyway. With a crippling deficit to tackle and tough decisions to take, this has become a luxury we can no longer afford.”

Epping Forest District Council would have to find an additional £80,000 a year to continue funding the scheme from its own resources. From 1 August 2010 over 60’s swimming will be charged concessionary prices of £2.10 (non members) and £1.90 (members).

Leisure and Wellbeing Portfolio Holder, Councillor Brian Rolfe said: “The Government has made it clear that there will be many cuts across public services. The end of free swimming for the over 60s is disappointing but not completely unexpected. The government and every local authority will need to look very hard at its priorities in coming months. Sadly, free swimming is a service the country can no longer afford.”

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