DEPARTMENT FOR
CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT News Release (134/08) issued by COI News
Distribution Service. 8 December 2008
82 per cent of
Councils sign up in a major drive to get England more active
More than twenty million people aged 16 and under and over 60
will be able to swim for free from next April as Culture Secretary
Andy Burnham today announced that 82 per cent of local authorities
in England have signed up to take part in a £140 million
Government scheme.
The initiative is a key part of plans to leave a lasting legacy
from London 2012, giving people up and down the country more
opportunities to get active.
In total, 291 councils (82 per cent) are to offer free swimming
to the over 60s while 211 (60 per cent) will open their pools for
free to both the over 60s and those aged 16 and under.
The local authorities that have opted in to offer the scheme to
both age groups have also received a share of a £10 million
capital fund to spend on modernising or improving pool provision
in time for the start of the two-year scheme in 2009.
Those local authorities that will offer free swimming to both age
groups also stand to benefit from a further £25 million capital
challenge fund in both 2009/10 and 2010/11 to spend on improving
pool provision.
Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Andy 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 is fun and has universal appeal, and yet
charges can deter people.
2009 is the year to get your trunks on!"
Children's Minister Baroness Morgan said:
"This is a major step toward every child being able to swim,
where they want, when they want. Swimming is one of the easiest
ways of getting fit and being a strong swimmer is potentially life
saving. Free provision builds on our successful £5.5m programme to
get every 11-year-old swimming at least 25 metres unaided and
means they can carry on growing in confidence for life."
James Purnell, Secretary of State for the Department for Work and
Pensions said:
"Last year, for the first time there were more people aged
over 65 than children in the UK. Old age should be enjoyed and not
endured so it is more important than ever to encourage a more
active and vibrant ageing society. Free swimming for people over
60 is great initiative which is why my Department has contributed
£22million over three years towards making it happen."
Communities Secretary Hazel Blears said:
"I am delighted that so many councils have signed up to
this scheme. It is a great step, making it possible for millions
of people to participate in a fun form of exercise.
"Tackling obesity and promoting healthier lifestyles are
key concerns for many in our communities, and councils are
responding to this - 90 councils have committed to reducing
obesity among primary school children, and 80 have agreed to
increase adult participation in sport.
"This scheme will go a long way to help councils achieve this."
Notes to Editors
1. Further information on the free swimming initiative and other
Olympic legacy schemes is available of the Department for Culture,
Media and Sport website: http://www.culture.gov.uk
2. The swimming scheme is jointly funded by the Department for
Culture, Media and Sport, Department of Health, Department for
Work and Pensions, the Department for Children, Schools and
Families and the Department for Communities and Local Government.
3. Further information on the Free Swimming Capital Modernisation
Programme is available on the Sport England website: http://www.sportengland.org
Public enquiries 020 7211 6200
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