More eligible for free gym and swim scheme

Published: Wednesday, January 3, 2024

More residents are now eligible for free off-peak gym and swimming sessions at council leisure and sports centres run by contractors Places Leisure and Enable.

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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, from January 1, 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. 

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
  • Eligible for, but not in receipt of, pension credit
  • Employment Support Allowance


Find out more about the offer at:

Places Leisure Leisure Centres

Enable leisure and sports facilities