The Labour-led Welsh Government are planning to get rid of the free swimming initiative they introduced in 2003.
For the past 16 years, young people aged 16 and under and those aged 60 and over in Wales have been benefitting from free swimming sessions at local authority run leisure centres.
However, in a letter sent to Assembly Members this week, the Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism outlined plans to scrap the initiative, stating “it is no longer fit for purpose or value for money” following a review which found there had been a significant reduction in participation rates among young people and that only 6% of older people use the initiative.
Criticising the proposals, Clwyd West AM Darren Millar said:
“I was extremely disappointed to hear that the Welsh Government are planning to scrap this initiative.
“We are continually hearing about rising obesity rates and should be doing everything we can to encourage people to exercise more, not taking opportunities away from them.
“This scheme was introduced to not only, and I quote the Welsh Government, “improve the health of the nation”, but also “to develop and strength communities, remove barriers and improve access for children/young people/disabled/ethnic minorities/older people” and “to improve standards in swimming”.
“Instead of scrapping it, the Welsh Government should be looking at promoting it better. It has benefitted many in Clwyd West since it was first introduced in 2003 and I know people will be sad to lose it. I will be calling on the Welsh Government to reconsider their proposals.”