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<p>The government recognises the importance of ensuring public access to swimming
pools, as swimming is a great way for people of all ages to stay fit and healthy.
The responsibility of providing this access lies at Local Authority level, and the
Government continues to encourage Local Authorities to support swimming facilities.
In 2023/24, the Government has provided over £60 million additional funding to support
operating costs and help improve energy efficiency of facilities through the Swimming
Pool Support Fund, delivered via Sport England.</p><p>Announcement of successful Swimming
Pool Support Fund (SPSF) Phase I revenue funding awards was made by <a href="https://www.sportengland.org/news/swimming-pool-support-fund-keeps-leisure-centres-afloat"
target="_blank">Sport England</a> and on <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/nearly-200-leisure-centres-supported-by-swimming-pool-support-fund"
target="_blank">gov.uk</a> on 4 November 2023. The fund was significantly oversubscribed
and as a result we were unfortunately not able to fund all centres who applied. The
criteria considered a range of factors including: financial need; the risk of closure;
the proximity to other swimming pools providing public swimming access, and the level
of demand for the facility.</p>
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