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.
Local authorities that have expressed an interest to take up the under 16s scheme will be told what their financial allocation would be for this by the end of the month. They will then be asked to confirm participation in this part of the offer.
Those authorities that do participate in both the under 16s and over 60s offer are invited to bid for a share of a further £50 million, available in 2009-11, to invest in modernising pool provision and to support more ambitious plans for free swimming.
Sport England is administering this capital scheme on behalf of the Government.
