Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Andy Burnham announced a £140 million investment on 6 June, which will give councils the opportunity to offer free swimming for the over 60s and under 16s. The plans are part of the Government's aim to ensure a lasting sporting legacy from the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.
Mr Burnham said:
"Offering free swimming is just the kind of imaginative action required to make us a more active nation by 2012. We have chosen swimming because its appeal is universal. It is the perfect antidote to the couch potato culture.
"My ambition is that by 2012 as many areas as possible open their public pools for free. What a fantastic Olympic legacy that would leave."
The deadline for councils to provide confirmation on whether they will take up the over 60s offer is Monday 15 September. Councils must also indicate whether they are interested in taking up the under 16s scheme.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has written to local authorities with details of what they would be allocated for the over 60s scheme, calculated using a formula based on the size of the local over 60 population. It aims by 30 September to give indicate allocations on the under 16s scheme to those local authorities who express an interest in taking up the offer.
Local authorities are encouraged to work creatively with local partners, including Primary Care Trusts, to access funds from other sources, including the National Lottery and Working Neighbourhoods Fund, as well as the private sector.
Local authorities that take up the over 60s and under 16s offer will also benefit from a share of a £10 million capital fund, for 2008 / 09, to help modernise swimming facilities.
A further £50 million will also be available for those local authorities that take up both the over 60s and under 16s offer between 2009 and 2011. This is to be invested in improving pools and supporting free swimming expansion. Sport England is administering the capital scheme on behalf of the Government.
