More eligible for free gym and swim scheme 

Contractors Places Leisure and Enable are working with the council to expand the offer so that cost is not a barrier to keeping fit and active.  

The current scheme, with Places Leisure, means residents receiving Universal Credit and asylum seekers can enjoy free off-peak adult gym and swim sessions (off peak is before 5.30pm on weekdays and all day at weekends). 

Young people aged 16 and under who receive free school meals are able to swim for free, with a parent or guardian looking after one or two children also be able to join them for free. They can also use the free junior gym, which is open to young people aged 11-15, and can make a free sports booking, such as squash courts, during off peak hours. 

Now the scheme has been extended to include 17–18-year-olds on free school meals and other residents claiming certain benefits. The scheme also now includes additional leisure and sports facilities managed by contractors Enable.  

Judi Gasser, cabinet member for environment, said: “We are working to make the borough fairer, and we believe it’s crucial that everyone has access to leisure facilities to help them keep mentally and physically fit and well.” 

“I’d like to thank Enable and Places Leisure for working with us to make this offer, and I’d encourage anyone who thinks they may be eligible to find out more.” 

The scheme has been extended to people claiming the following benefits: 

• Jobseekers Allowance 
• Housing Benefit 
• Council Tax Support 
• Disability Living Allowance 
• Carer’s Allowance 
• Child and Working Tax Credit 
• Income Support 
• Pension Credit 
• Employment Support Allowance 

There are also offers for foster carers and care leavers.  

Find out more about the offer at: 

Places Leisure Centres 

Enable leisure and sports facilities