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Original poster

free swim

29 replies

chantal32 · 13/07/2010 06:48

I have discovered that the Government has abolished free swim for the under 16s and over 60s. Aside from the other budget cuts that will affect my family, (tax credits, child benefits, teacher pay freeze and pension contribution increase), I believe this is a really important scheme that should not be abolished. The Labour Government invested what amounted to 65 million pounds a year to enable these groups to swim for free. I have written to my mp, but don't feel this is enough. What I really want to do is start a petition and present this to the government. Is anyone else outraged by this?

OP posts:
ivykaty44 · 14/07/2010 19:18

If people need to stand on their own two feet - what about child benifit - do you claim that if you have children? as it is a benifit after all and surely you should be standing on your own two feet and look after your own children

queribus · 14/07/2010 19:23

'Free swims' were never free anyway - government money didn't cover the full cosrs and local authorities had to cough up quite a bit.

Round here it wasn't the vulnerable or those most in need who took advantage, it was well-to-do retirees who were prepared to travel to use the nice pool up the road.

CristinaTheAstonishing · 15/07/2010 11:04

Did those well-to-do retirees (BTW how can you tell when they're just in a swimsuit?) also use the free bus pass?

As for the queues in the Natural History Museum, maybe they just wanted a free wee? There's a lack of public toilets in London and you may have the £5 for a cup of coffee in Starbucks to use their toilets but maybe you haven't got the time to wait for the barrista to make it 'just so' for you.

I think many people can afford to pay for their swimming but it's the erosion of access to leisure facilities for all that's more of a problem.

How long before we decide that playgrounds are a bit of a luxury, you can just walk and walk around the neighbourhood with your DCs, that should burn some energy. It would be a return to the 70s when they were desolate places because of no upkeeping.

Any other cuts suggestions? Unleash the inner Tory!

DreamTeamGirl · 05/08/2010 11:43

I just think it is a huge shame they cut it 1 week before the summer holidays started

I know cuts had to be made, but to do it just before the holidays seemed a bit ... I dunno 'mean'?

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