Funding for free swims will end this summer, in the light of new research which shows that the scheme that the Government claims show that it has not delivered value for money.

Figures published today by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) show that the majority of those participating in the scheme would have gone swimming anyway, even if they had to pay, and that the scheme has not significantly increased physical activity.

It is less than a year since Ben Bradshaw, the then Culture Secretary, claimed that the scheme, launched by Tessa Jowell in June 2008 and which officially began in April 2009, was a "big idea that has fast become a big hit at pools all over the country".

The new Sports and Olympics Minister Hugh Robertson, however, claimed that the decision to axe the scheme was one that had to be taken and that it will save £5 million ($7 million) as part of a total saving of £40 million ($59 million) from the Free Swimming Programme funding across Government.

He said: "This is not a decision that gives me any pleasure.

"However, the research shows that the great majority of free swimmers were swimming already, and would have paid to swim anyway.

"With a crippling deficit to tackle and tough decisions to take, this has become a luxury we can no longer afford."

The new research claims that, although 18 million free swims were taken during the first year of the scheme, around 83 per cent of those aged 60 and over and 73 per cent of those aged 16 and under would have gone swimming anyway, even if they had to pay for it.

Jeremy Hunt, who has replaced Bradshaw as the Culture Secretary after the election of the new coalition Government, said: "We are facing an unprecedented financial situation in this country, and it is essential that we act now to reduce the country’s debt. 

"As part of my department’s contribution, we have examined a number of schemes to determine whether they remain a Government priority, value for money, and affordable in the current economic climate. 

"This has involved some incredibly difficult decisions, but the cultural and sporting worlds, like everyone else, urgently need the country’s finances to be returned to a sustainable position."

The decision to scrap free swimming a week after Robertson claimed that addressing a sensible and deliverable legacy plan from London 2012 was one of top two priorities.   

He said: "Delivering a legacy from 2012 is one of my top priorities.

"I want people of all ages and abilities to have opportunities to take part in all kinds of sport, and under our plans to reform the Lottery shares we should see an extra £50 million($74 million) a year going on sports facilities by 2012.

"Our plans to deliver a community sports legacy, in partnership with Sport England, are progressing well and we expect to make a full announcement in July."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
July 2009: Government hails success of free swimming scheme
July 2009: Swimming reveal plans to get more people involved
April 2009: London 2012 swimming scheme officially begins
December 2008: Millions across England to get free swimming after councils take up 2012 plan
June 2008: Jowell wants free swimming for all as 2012 legacy