Tooting Bec Lido could be free for families in the summer

By Charlotte Lillywhite, Local Democracy Reporter

A lido will be free for some families struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, under new council plans.

Wandsworth council revealed plans to make leisure centres free to residents who might otherwise be unable to afford it.

The authority will launch the initiative during the summer holidays if the plans are approved, offering free access to council-owned leisure centres operated by Places Leisure for all those on free school meals and Universal Credit.

Kids who are aged up to 15 and eligible for free school meals will be able to swim for free at all leisure centres – including Tooting Bec Lido.

Kids under eight years old must be joined by an adult, who will also be able to swim for free.

The lido costs £5.20 to book for kids, students, seniors and concessions. Adult tickets for those aged 16 and over cost £8.30.

Residents eligible for free school meals will also be able to book sports for free at off-peak times – before 5.30pm on weekdays and all day at the weekends – and go to junior gym sessions for free under the proposals.

Adults eligible for Universal Credit will be entitled to free gym and swimming sessions at off-peak times if the plans are approved.

For general customers, the council is proposing a hike in charges at its leisure centres and swimming pools, including Tooting Bec Lido, of up to seven per cent for 2023/24.

This includes a rise in annual gym membership from £715.10 to £765.20 and in annual adult swim membership from £366.90 to £392.60.

The report says the hike reflects the “additional staffing and energy costs incurred in operating the facilities”.

All concession charges will be frozen, under the plans.

Council leader Simon Hogg said: “We are working hard to make Wandsworth a fairer borough. I am proud that, for the very first time in Wandsworth, residents who receive Universal Credit will be able to swim and use the gym for free during the daytime and at the weekend.

“Young people who receive Free School Meals will also be able to swim for free anytime – including at Tooting Bec Lido.”

The council’s environment committee will vote on the plans on February 7.

Tooting Bec Lido (Picture: Wandsworth council)