The Government has revealed that, following the conclusion of the current relief scheme, there will be a new Energy Bills Discount Scheme which will come into effect from April and run for 12 months. However, this universal scheme is much less generous than previous support provided, and swimming pools and leisure centres have been excluded from this extra support.

Whilst the Chief Cultural & Leisure Officers Association (CLOA) is pleased to see the energy costs of libraries, museums, galleries, archives, historical sites and visitor attractions will be awarded the extra support, it is worrying that the significant energy costs of swimming pools have been ignored; evidence shows that this will directly affect the viability of public swimming pools which are typically owned by local councils and who take great pride in their custodianship of these vital community assets.

It is evidenced that people who are more active, have better physical and mental health which reduces the burden on the health and social care system now and long term. The government decision to reduce support for the very services which would help with the current NHS and social care crisis, feels at odds.

Research completed as part of Securing the future of public sport and leisure services, shows that public pools are fundamental to providing learn to swim lessons for schools and families, supporting healthy children and water safety; further such facilities are the hubs of exercise on referral schemes to support those with long term medical conditions from requiring as much health care early in their life. The schemes are clear prevention solutions to the over whelmed NHS system.

Ultimately, we know CLOA member authorities will feel pressurised to reduce their provision or have no choice but to raise the admission prices to cover the increased costs of fuel, just at the very time that we should be reaching out to those most in need, who would benefit from extra support. Together, this leads to a ‘no win’ position, where those that need the most help, are being further marginalised from improving their health and quality of life.

CLOA will continue to act on behalf its local authority members to lobby alongside national agencies including LGA, ukactive, APSE, Community Leisure UK, to encourage a rethink on subsiding energy cost across the local authority, public accessible, pool provision.

Debbie Kaye – Chair,  Ian Brooke – Vice Chair, Mark Allman – Honorary Secretary, Julie Russell – Executive Committee Member

12 January 2023