Update on Swimming Pool Support Fund Phase Two
Sport England has released further details on the allocation of funding from phase two of the Swimming Pool Support Fund (SPSF Phase II).
SPSF II is designed to help local authorities improve energy efficiency.
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It is the second phase of the Fund, which has seen a total of £60m being made available to help public swimming pools cope with increased running costs as well as make them greener.
Sport England has said that the capital investment programme has seen over 500 capital interventions in over 300 facilities with swimming pools. The interventions include photo-voltaic cells, LED lights and pool covers as well as variety of other capital improvements aimed at improving the energy efficiency of public facilities with pools in the medium to long term.
Over 260 local authorities have received a share of the funding, of which £20m has been provided by Sport England via the National Lottery and just over £40m has been provided by the Government to support the long-term sustainability of public leisure.
Tara Dillon, CEO of CIMSPA said:
"Facilities that operate pools are under significant financial pressure so additional support to help with running costs and improve efficiencies is very much welcomed.
However, we know that there continues to be huge financial pressures across the sector to maintain and operate facilities.
It’s vital that we safeguard the future of these essential community resources at a time when we need more opportunities for people to undertake physical activity in order to improve health and wellbeing, and reduce the pressure on the NHS.
These facilities make participation in activity accessible for segments of the population who may struggle to engage in other activities and locations.
We are also pleased to see the focus that the funding has placed on sustainability. Our members and partners that work in and operate leisure facilities with pools, are incredibly keen to make their facilities greener and reduce energy consumption and we look forward to seeing the positive impact of the investment over the coming years.”
Lisa Dodd-Mayne, Executive Director – Place at Sport England said:
"Swimming pools and leisure centres are vital community resources and are enormously important in helping people to be physically active.
Many pools have faced a real and significant threat to their survival this year, as local authorities and operators have battled the challenge of increased energy and wider costs, weakened reserves and difficulties with retaining staff.
Sport England is proud of the role we’ve played in supporting these facilities through this difficult period. We hope today’s funding announcement will enable more public pools to improve their energy efficiency to be more environmentally and financially sustainable so they remain available for future generations to enjoy.”
Sports Minister Stuart Andrew MP said:
"Millions of people swim every year in England, but high energy costs mean some pools are struggling financially.
“I know from personal experience the health benefits of getting down to your local pool, whether that’s just for a few lengths, to swim with friends, or a water aerobics class.
“This further £60 million of support from the Government and Sport England will make hundreds of swimming pools more energy efficient so they can keep offering their vital community and health benefits for generations to come.”