London councils dive into free swimming fund free scheme

ALMOST all London councils have signed up to a £140million government scheme offering free swimming to children and pensioners.

All but two of the 33 London boroughs have applied for the cash that will enable them to begin next April. The scheme is essential to boosting mass participation in sport ahead of the London Olympics. It has been devised by Culture Secretary Andy Burnham, who secured funding from five government departments.

In London, 25 boroughs signed up to free swimming for under-16s and over-60s; with another six choosing to make the offer only to over-60s. Bromley and Westminster opted out altogether.

Lobby group London Councils said it was encouraged by the take-up although it is concerned about the scheme's costs and the effect of Londoners "migrating" to pools in other boroughs.

Mr Burnham said that 20 million people nationwide would benefit from free swimming after 82 per cent of councils signed up for over-60s free swimming and 60 per cent for under-16s.

The local authorities that have opted in to offer the scheme to both age groups have also received a share of a £10million capital fund to spend on modernising or improving pool provision for the start of the two-year scheme.

Mr Burnham said: "Getting people more active is vital to the health of the nation and to tackling obesity. With 2012 approaching, now is the time for big ideas to help people make a change in their lifestyle. Swimming has universal appeal yet charges can deter people."