Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Swimming Pools and Gyms: Covid-19 Closure

Thursday 5 November 2020 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Swimming pools and gyms have been closed due to financial viability issues during the COVID-19 outbreak.
  • The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport is developing a 100 million scheme to support leisure centres in collaboration with Sport England and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
  • Financial support of over 200 million has been provided through Sport England and other bodies to help sports facilities during the crisis.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Cat Smith Lab Lancaster and Wyre
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The MP is concerned about health and wellbeing issues arising from the closure of local facilities since the beginning of the first lockdown. The question focuses on financial viability for reopening such as the situation in Fleetwood where the swimming pool has been closed.

Question

I am concerned about the impact on health and wellbeing of the closure of (a) swimming pools and (b) gyms during the covid-19 outbreak, particularly initiatives like “Healthier Fleetwood” show local efforts to address poorer health outcomes in my town but our swimming pool has been closed since the beginning of the first lockdown and was not reopened when restrictions allowed it to be.

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

Sport and physical activity are incredibly important, we made sure people could exercise during the height of lockdowns. Some facilities opened but some did not due to financial viability issues. The DCMS is working on a £100 million scheme with Sport England and MHCLG to help leisure centres.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Financial support for swimming pools in areas of deprivation was not specified or committed to.

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Q2 Cat Smith Lab Lancaster and Wyre
Environment
Context

The MP highlights the specific case of a closed swimming pool in Fleetwood that has remained shut since March due to financial viability concerns. The question seeks clarity on financial aid from the government.

Question

Initiatives like “Healthier Fleetwood” show local efforts to address poorer health outcomes, but our swimming pool has been closed since the start of lockdown and was not reopened when restrictions allowed it to be. What conversations have you had with Treasury colleagues about financial support for swimming pools in areas of deprivation?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

I understand the challenges facing many leisure facilities. Some have been able to open but are financially precarious. A £100 million scheme is being designed by DCMS, Sport England and MHCLG to help these facilities; details will be released soon.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific financial support for swimming pools in deprived areas was not addressed.

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Q3 Alison McGovern Lab Birkenhead
NHS Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The MP notes the public desire for earlier lockdown measures, particularly from NHS workers who understand the need but stress that individual health is also crucial. She asks about plans for reopening closed gyms and swimming pools post-2 December.

Question

Many people wanted earlier lockdowns, especially those in the NHS who know it can't alone make the country well; healthier lives are needed. With many gyms and pools shut since March as described by my hon. Friend, will you explain your plan for national wellbeing starting with what happens on 2 December?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

Through Sport England and other bodies we provided over £200 million financial support during the crisis, with a plan for elite and grassroots sport reopening. Our intention is opening as many sports facilities possible; however, sacrifices are needed temporarily to control the virus.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details on plans and actions for national wellbeing or precisely what happens on 2 December were not provided.

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