£9m shortfall threatens free swimming scheme

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The plan is central to the Government's aim to boost sports participation in the approach to the London Games.

But councils say the cost to them of offering free swimming to everyone aged over 60 has been underestimated.

They criticised the Government for "rushing out" the scheme without consulting them and have warned that to introduce it they may have to cut other services or increase council tax.

A survey of 49 councils carried out by the Conservatives found an average shortfall of £13,000 each, the equivalent across 354 councils in England of £9million - an increase of 24 per cent on the government estimate of £ 30million for two years' free swimming for pensioners. The District Sounding Board, which represents district councils nationwide, said in a letter to Culture Secretary Andy Burnham: "To work successfully the programme must be adequately resourced and targeted. Indications across the country are that the scheme will result in a cost burden." Among the hardest hit could be Bromley council which has told the Department of Culture, Media and Sport that free swimming would result in a loss of £120,000. Colin Brand, head of leisure and culture at Bromley, said the council would be "financially disadvantaged if we were to sign up to the programme". He said funding for the scheme was only guaranteed for two years. Shadow culture secretary Jeremy Hunt said: "Once again the Government has rushed to take credit for a headline grabbing initiative and left others to pick up the tab."

Free swimming for all under-16s and over-60s was unveiled by Mr Burnham in the summer. The £140million budget includes £30million for the over-60s.

A DCMS spokesman said: "We are committed to working with local authorities to make it as straightforward as possible for them to take up the offer. Our analysis suggests the investment will meet the large majority of the costs across England."