Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Swimming Facilities

04 June 2025 · 23 other contributors · 9,918 words

Opened by Joe Robertson Con Isle of Wight East

Responding minister: Not recorded

Culture, Media & SportNHS

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Joe Robertson raised concerns about swimming facilities in Westminster Hall. Response awaited from government.

Key points

  • Swimming remains one of the most popular activities in England, with around 12.5 million adults participating annually, representing 27% of the population.
  • Seventy-two percent of schools use public pools to meet their statutory duty to teach swimming, and 85% of young people learn to swim in public pools.
  • Local authorities spend 1.4 billion annually on sport, leisure, green spaces, parks, and playgrounds, making them the largest public funders of these services.

Key requests to Government

Local authorities have responsibility for supporting the provision of both formal and informal opportunities for communities to be active, but they also need support from the Government. Councils spend £1.4 billion a year on sport, leisure, green spaces, parks and playgrounds, making local government the biggest public funder of sport and leisure services.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Joe Robertson Con Isle of Wight East

Swimming remains one of the most popular activities in England, with around 12.5 million adults going swimming each year—that is around 27% of the population. Seventy-two per cent of schools use public pools to deliver their statutory responsibility for learning to swim, and 85% of young people learn to swim in a public pool, with almost 2 million children learning to swim outside school through Swim England’s “Learn to Swim” programme each year. Seventy-five per cent of grassroots sports clubs use leisure facilities to deliver social and sporting opportunities to communities. And 66% of NHS cancer rehabilitation services take place in leisure facilities. The number of people with a limiting health condition or disability taking to the pool has grown from 15% two years ago to 24% more recently.

Other contributors (23)
  • Chris McDonald Lab Stockton North

    He highlighted the importance of investment in swimming facilities by local authorities, noting the loss of 500 pools since 2010 and urging the Minister to consider future investments.

  • Christine Jardine in the Chair

    She ordered a reduction in speaking time limits to accommodate all MPs who wished to contribute.

  • Freddie van Mierlo LD Henley and Thame

    Mr Van Mierlo highlights the struggle of Sonning Common primary school to keep its pool open due to lack of grants. He asks for Government support to ensure continuity in swimming education.

  • Helen Grant Con Maidstone and Malling

    Swimming is a force for good, providing health benefits for mental and physical well-being. Local authorities need to support the funding of these facilities.

  • Ian Roome LD North Devon

    Discussed the case of Oscar, a 14-year-old who saved someone's life after learning lifesaving skills at local swimming clubs. Noted concerns about the affordability of pool access for low-income families.

  • Irene Campbell Lab North Ayrshire and Arran

    Discussed the importance of outdoor swimming pools in Scotland, highlighting the town of Saltcoats and its historical tidal pool. Mentioned an event promoting lidos' contribution to public health and local economies.

  • Jamie Stone LD Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross

    The lack of swimming pools in Scotland and England is a concern, as it affects communities' ability to access swimming for health and life skills.

  • Jayne Kirkham Lab/Co-op Truro and Falmouth

    She discussed the dramatic increase in primary school children unable to swim due to the closure of a local pool, urging the Government to provide help for redevelopment efforts.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Mr Shannon acknowledges the importance of swimming facilities in providing opportunities and mentions local success stories like Bethany Firth, an Olympic champion who learned to swim at a nearby complex.

  • Joe Robertson SNP Dunbartonshire East

    Welcomed the sentiment expressed by the Minister but was disappointed that she could not commit to previous Government funding pots for swimming facilities.

  • John Lamont Con Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk

    Swimming facilities are crucial for coastal communities, providing both recreational and essential life skills. Agreed with Irene Campbell's points about Scottish Government underfunding councils for supporting swimming pools.

  • Josh Babarinde LD Eastbourne

    Pushed for a new funding model to support swimming facilities, noting Eastbourne Sovereign Centre as a potential test bed. Emphasised the role of local pools in community health and education.

  • Louie French Con Old Bexley and Sidcup

    Swimming is a valuable life skill, but there has been a decline in young people’s swimming capabilities following the pandemic. The number of new pools opening is only half that of those closing. While previous Conservative Government initiatives like the £100 million national leisure recovery fund and the £80 million swimming pool support fund helped to cover spiralling costs, concerns remain about the current government's lack of proposals to prevent further closures.

  • Max Wilkinson LD Cheltenham

    Stressed the importance of swimming as a form of exercise that is beneficial for most people, especially those with disabilities or health conditions. Advocated for systemic changes to promote healthy lifestyles and reduce pressure on the NHS.

  • Mohammad Yasin Lab Bedford

    Expressed concern over the proposed loss of two public pools in Bedford due to unaffordable repairs and running costs, impacting local schools and swimming clubs.

  • Rachel Taylor Lab North Warwickshire and Bedworth

    Agreed with Sadik Al-Hassan, highlighting the Atherstone swimming pool's closure issues and waiting lists for children to learn to swim.

  • Rebecca Smith Con South West Devon

    Ms Smith discusses issues with new towns like Sherford where leisure facilities promised at inception are delayed due to funding constraints. She calls for government support in ensuring new developments include necessary amenities.

  • Sadik Al-Hassan Lab North Somerset

    Discussed the importance of swimming pools for physical and mental well-being, citing closures and underfunding issues since 2010. Highlighted Portishead lido's success with a £1.3 million grant.

  • Sam Rushworth Lab Bishop Auckland

    Mentioned the mental health benefits of swimming, noting that nearly half a million people have reduced or stopped taking medication due to swimming. Highlighted the loss of pools in Crook and Stanhope.

  • John Hayes Con South Holland and The Deepings

    The increasing number of drownings among young people due to lack of swimming skills is a significant concern. Learning to swim is vital for safety. Asked about funding opportunities similar to the previous Government’s support fund to reopen the Deepings leisure centre, making swimming available to children and adults in the community.

  • Steff Aquarone LD North Norfolk

    He spoke about progress in securing investment for swimming facilities in North Norfolk, including a major rebuild of the Reef leisure centre in Sheringham and planning consent granted for an expansion project.

  • Tom Hayes Lab Bournemouth East

    Highlighted the importance of water sports and facilities in Bournemouth. Urged for more investment in swimming lessons and free swimming passes to tackle child poverty.

  • Wendy Chamberlain LD North East Fife

    She emphasised safety and access to facilities, highlighting the importance of Lib Dem councillors ensuring support for swimming lessons. She also discussed the growth in open-water swimming groups and the need to address costs for poorer communities.

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