Wandsworth Council, in London, has increased the number of people who are eligible for free off-peak gym and swimming sessions at its leisure and sports centres.
The current scheme, with contractors Places Leisure, means residents receiving Universal Credit and asylum seekers can enjoy free off-peak adult gym and swim sessions (off peak is before 5.30pm on weekdays and all day at weekends). Young people aged 16 and under who receive free school meals can swim for free, with a parent or guardian looking after one or two children also be able to join them for free.
They can also use the free junior gym, which is open to young people aged 11-15, and can make a free sports booking, such as squash courts, during off peak hours. From the beginning of this year the scheme has been extended to include 17–18-year-olds on free school meals and other residents claiming certain benefits.
The scheme also now includes additional leisure and sports facilities managed by contractors Enable.
The scheme has been extended to people claiming the following benefits:
- Jobseekers Allowance
- Housing Benefit
- Council Tax Support
- Disability Living Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Child and Working Tax Credit
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
- Eligible for, but not in receipt of, pension credit
- Employment Support Allowance
