Issue - meetings

Free Swimming Scheme

Meeting: 02/09/2008 - Executive Member For Leisure, Culture and Social Inclusion and Advisory Panel (Item 13)

This report asks the Executive Member to review the Government’s newly proposed free swimming scheme and assess the value of the scheme against the national and corporate health improvement agenda and the LAA indicator set. The Executive Member is also asked to decide if the scheme should be implemented in York.

Decision:

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Executive Member be advised to:

Approve Option A:

To confirm by 15 September 2008 that the Council wishes to participate in the over 60’s swimming scheme and accepts the grant allocation.

To submit an expression of interest by the same date for free swimming for under 16s, subject to the Council’s allocation from Pot 2 being sufficient to cover the loss of income.

Officers to follow up entitlement to Pot 3 and investigate the appropriateness of a submission to Pot 4.

Decision of the Executive Member

RESOLVED: That the advice of the Advisory Panel be accepted and endorsed.

REASON: To increase the take up of swimming in York.

Minutes:

Members considered a report asking them to review the Government’s newly proposed free swimming scheme and the implications for implementing this scheme at council run pools. The report also asked them to assess the value of the scheme against both the national and corporate health improvement agenda, and the LAA indicator set, and decide whether the scheme should be implemented in York.

Officers confirmed that they welcome the scheme and are pleased that the government are recognising the importance of swimming. They advised that they would like to confirm on the 15 September that York wishes to participate in the over 60s free swimming scheme and express an interest in free swimming for under 16s by the same date. Officers outlined what the scheme would mean for York including the links to the corporate priority of improving the health and lifestyles of York residents and the financial implications. Officers outlined the 4 funds available under the scheme and explained that authorities need to participate in funds 1 and 2 to be considered for funds 3 and 4.

Members questioned what the anticipated take up of free swimming would be and how this would impact on pool capacity. Officers advised that it is difficult to pre-determine take up, but once the scheme is underway a tracking system could be put in place to monitor this. In the event of a high take up, pool capacity would be managed by pool programming to allow swimming by age group as is already in place.

Members discussed the current pool provision in York. Concern was expressed about the lack of a pool in the Barbican area of York and that some residents may not be able to easily access the free swimming scheme due to the lack of a pool in that area. Officers advised that the swimming pool strategy would need to be looked at in light of operating this scheme.