Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Milne and Lisa Nandy

Thursday 16th April 2026 Commons Chamber

[John Milne (Horsham) (LD)]

T4. At a time when our rivers and seas are not fit to swim in, the all-party parliamentary group on swimming reports that 1,200 pools have closed since 2010. In my constituency, a consultation by Horsham district council shows strong community support for more investment. Given that two thirds of pools nationally are already past their predicted lifespan, what support can the Secretary of State offer to secure the future of community pools, in addition to her remarks earlier?

[Lisa Nandy]

A moment ago, we discussed the importance of such facilities. I thank the hon. Gentleman for the way in which he has approached this issue by securing and demonstrating community consent. He will know that this Government have changed the way we fund so that it is community driven and led, rather than imposed from the centre, and it is very welcome that he has taken that approach. In addition to the answer that I gave a moment ago, we have backed local authorities, which lead on funding on these issues, with the first multi-year settlement in a decade. That will help them to ensure that they can better plan and better prepare to deliver on community needs.