Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to paragraph 4.18 of the Spring Budget 2023, HC1183, published on 15 March 2023, what support his Department provides to community-run swimming pools.

The Government recognises the importance of ensuring continued public access to public swimming pools. Swimming is a great way for people of all ages to stay fit and healthy as well as being a crucial life skill in terms of water safety. Furthermore, swimming facilities are important centres for the local community. That is why the Chancellor has announced, as part of the Spring Budget, over £60 million to safeguard public swimming pools in England as the first step to future proof the sector.

Details of the eligibility process will be published shortly, however, this fund will focus on those public swimming pool providers whose cost pressures are most acute, leaving them most vulnerable to closure. The Government intends for community and charitable trusts to be eligible to receive this funding. Sport England will manage a competitive application process and set out further detail on eligibility shortly.

This funding is on top of unprecedented levels of support provided for energy costs over the winter by the Energy Bills Relief Scheme (EBRS). From 1 April 2023 following the end of the EBRS, further support will be provided to eligible non-domestic users, including swimming pools, through the new Energy Bills Discount Scheme, which will run until 31 March 2024. This will help those locked into contracts signed before the recent substantial fall in wholesale prices manage their costs.