Swimming Pools: Finance

(asked on 16th March 2023) - View Source

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Swimming Pool Support Fund, when he plans to publish further guidance and eligibility criteria for that fund.


Answered by
James Cartlidge Portrait
James Cartlidge
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
This question was answered on 21st March 2023

The Government recognises the importance of ensuring continued public access to public swimming pools. Swimming is a great way for people of all ages to stay fit and healthy as well as being a crucial life skill in terms of water safety. Furthermore, swimming facilities are important centres for the local community. That is why the Chancellor has announced, as part of the Spring Budget, over £60 million to safeguard public swimming pools in England as the first step to future proof the sector.

The Swimming Pool Support Fund (SPSF) will focus on public swimming pool providers whose cost pressures are most acute, leaving them most vulnerable to closure. This could include public swimming facilities who have reduced their hours in order to keep services going. Full details of eligibility requirements for the scheme and the application process will be published by Sport England shortly.

Both immediate support for cost-pressures and investment in energy efficiency measures will be targeted to support facilities which are most in need. Funding will be distributed following a competitive application process and made available in the 2023/24 financial year, with grants being made directly to successful local authorities.

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