Michael Fabricant has welcomed support for operators of swimming pools in yesterday’s budget.  “A lesser known initiative announced in yesterday’s Budget is one to help operators of swimming pools which will benefit owners like Lichfield District Council” says Michael.

“Over £20 million will be available to support public swimming pool providers from across England who are struggling with the rise in energy and running costs. This will ensure that children and adults up and down the country continue to have access to a public swimming pool, helping people get active and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

“Sport England will deliver the funding, making sure it is targeted and distributed following an application process, where decisions will be made according to set criteria. They will aim to allocate all resource support within 3 to 6 months, with some capital projects being delivered in 2023-24.

“As well as providing help for the existing pool in Burntwood, there is a possibility that some additional grants can be used to help offset the cost of the new pool planned for Lichfield.  A fund will also be made available for capital investment in decarbonisation to make the pools and leisure centres more energy efficient and this might well be appropriate for Lichfield.  The Government say these funds will help ‘the long term energy and financial resilience of the sector as well as supporting the Government’s commitment to meeting a net zero target by 2050’.”