Free Access to Tooting Bec Lido To Be Expanded
Families in need will not be charged to use the pool this summer
Tooting Bec Lido. Picture: Wandsworth Council
February 1, 2023
Tooting Bec Lido will be free for some families struggling with the cost-of-living crisis under new council plans. Wandsworth Council has revealed plans to make leisure centres free to residents who might be unable to afford it otherwise although charges will rise for everyone else.
The authority will launch the initiative during the summer holidays if the plans are approved, offering free access to council-owned leisure centres operated by Places Leisure for all those on free school meals and Universal Credit.
A recent council report says, “This widening of leisure access provides a significant support to individuals and families who would be under the most pressure from continuing cost of living crisis and financial hardship. This would seek to assist those who might never have been able to afford access to leisure facilities or those who would under increased pressure to give up or reduce discretionary spend in order to be able to afford essentials.
“This new free offering to the financially disadvantaged members of the borough substantially expands the leisure access but does so primarily at times where the leisure facilities are operating at within full capacity and therefore not expected to lead to an increase in the costs of service.”
Kids aged up to 15 years old and eligible for free school meals will be able to swim for free at all leisure centres – including Tooting Bec Lido. Kids under eight years old must be joined by an adult who will also be able to swim for free.
The lido costs £5.20 to book for kids, students, seniors and concession tickets. Adult tickets for those aged 16 and over cost £8.30.
Locals eligible for free school meals will also be able to book sports for free at off-peak times – before 5.30pm on weekdays and all day on the weekends – and go to junior gym sessions for free under the proposals. The junior gym applies to kids aged between 11 and 15 years old who can go on their own during the junior gym times, or to off-peak sessions if they are joined by an adult, according to the report.
Adults eligible for Universal Credit will be entitled to free gym and swimming sessions at off-peak times if the plans are approved. For general customers, the council is proposing a hike in charges at its leisure centres and swimming pools, including Tooting Bec Lido, of up to seven per cent for 2023/24. This includes a rise in annual gym membership from £715.10 to £765.20 and in annual adult swim membership from £366.90 to £392.60.
The report says the hike reflects the “additional staffing and energy costs incurred in operating the facilities”. All concession charges will be frozen under the plans.
Council leader Simon Hogg said, “We are working hard to make Wandsworth a fairer borough. I am proud that, for the very first time in Wandsworth, residents who receive Universal Credit will be able to swim and use the gym for free during the daytime and at the weekend. Young people who receive Free School Meals will also be able to swim for free anytime – including at Tooting Bec Lido.
“We are clear in our determination to end the unacceptable gap between the health outcomes and life expectancy of people living in Wandsworth. Ensuring no-one is priced out of accessing our gyms and swimming pools is a key part of that. We will review all our policies so that this council serves our residents more fairly.”
The council’s environment committee will vote on the plans on 7 February. The executive will then make the final decision on 3 March – with revised charges to be brought into effect from 1 April if approved.
Charlotte Lillywhite - Local Democracy Reporter