Access for All scheme closure
The Access for All scheme will close on 31 December 2026.
From 1 January 2027, it will be replaced by a new, more targeted culture and leisure concession scheme.
This will continue to provide discounted leisure access for residents who face some of the greatest barriers to keeping active. More information about the new scheme will be available soon. We will contact eligible residents directly.
What this means for current members
Access for All benefits will continue as normal until 31 December 2026 for registered members.
Using your membership until the scheme closes
No new Access for All applications or renewal applications will be accepted after 31 October 2026.
No new Access for All service-specific memberships, such as discounted Places for Leisure or Access for All Lime memberships, one-off bookings, annual permits, licences or offers will be accepted after 31 October 2026.
Any eligible booking, membership, permit or other commitment made on or before 31 October 2026 will continue to be honoured at the Access for All rate, even where it extends beyond 31 December 2026.
From 1 January 2027, Access for All discounts will no longer be applied to any services, other than bookings made on or before 31 October 2026.
What to do with your membership card
You will not need to take any immediate action with your membership card. Digital cards will expire automatically on 31 December 2026.
If you have a physical card, you can dispose of it yourself after the scheme ends on 31 December 2026. To do this safely and securely, cut through any personal details, barcode or magnetic strip and place it in your general waste.
Alternative support
We recognise that the closure of Access for All may affect your household finances.
Other Council support remains available to you:
- The Wandsworth Cost of Living Hub provides information about financial help, local advice and ways to reduce household costs
- The support calculator can help you check which benefits and other financial support you may be entitled to
- Wandsworth Work Match provides support for Wandsworth residents looking for jobs, employment advice and training opportunities
- Families can also find advice and practical support through Wandsworth’s Children’s Centres and Family Hubs
FAQs
When will the Access for All scheme close?
If you currently hold Access for All membership, you can still use it up until Thursday 31 December 2026. After this date the discounts provided through the scheme will no longer be available to you.
Existing bookings, memberships and permits that are beyond this date will still be honoured, but you will not be able to make any new bookings after 31 October 2026.
How many people will lose access?
We will be contacting affected members directly with information about the changes and any alternative support or opportunities available.
Our focus is on ensuring residents understand what support remains available and how they can continue to access these and other services.
Why are students keeping discounts when other groups are losing access?
Separate concessionary leisure arrangements will continue to be available to help ensure that cost is not a barrier to young people and students staying active.
Are you abandoning a scheme that has been popular with residents?
The decision is not about whether the scheme has been successful. It reflects the financial realities facing the Council and the need to focus available resources where they can have the greatest impact.
How does Wandsworth compare with other councils?
The revised offer brings Wandsworth broadly into line with comparable boroughs across London.
Even after these changes, concessionary support will remain available for residents who face the greatest barriers to participation.
What would you say to residents who are disappointed?
We understand that some residents will be disappointed. These decisions are never taken lightly.
However, we believe it is right to focus limited resources on those most in need while protecting the council's wider core services and will continue to signpost residents to other offers, opportunities and services throughout the borough.
Contact
If you need help understanding these changes or have any questions, please contact accessforall@wandsworth.gov.uk.