CIMSPA responds to the Energy Bills Discount Scheme
The Government this week announced details of a new Energy Bills Discount Scheme from April 2023 to March 2024, designed to support non-domestic customers with their energy costs. Leisure centres, gyms and swimming pools have not been included in the list of “energy intensive” businesses qualifying for additional support.
Tara Dillon, CEO of CIMSPA, said:
“We are extremely disappointed by this decision, which comes despite extensive representations and evidence being provided to the Government, detailing the need for leisure centres and swimming pools to receive additional support with their energy costs.
“This evidence included research from ukactive projecting that 40% of council areas are at risk of losing their leisure centres, or seeing reduced services, before 31 March 2023, with that figure rising to 74% by 31 March 2024. These figures are sadly reflected in the actual rate of closures already being seen around the country, with swimming pools being the most affected.
“Once closed, many leisure centres and swimming pools will not reopen, and if we lose these facilities it will have a deep and lasting impact on our communities. Millions of people will lose access to regular physical activity, leading to a significant reduction in their physical and mental health. This, in turn, will pile ever more pressure onto the NHS, at a time when it is already struggling to cope with demand.
“We will also see tens of thousands of skilled jobs at risk of being lost, from swimming teachers to gym instructors and leisure managers. These highly trained professionals may never return to the sector, creating a future workforce challenge that will hamper this sector’s ability to play a central role in the health and happiness of the nation, at exactly the time when it is most needed.
“We join our partners from across the sector in urging the Government to look at this again, and to recognise the vital role that physical activity plays in the UK’s health, wellbeing and economy.”