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<p>We recognise 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.</p><p>At the Budget,
we announced a dedicated £63 million support package for swimming pools, which is
targeted at addressing cost pressures facing public swimming pool providers. It will
also help provide investment in energy efficiency measures to reduce future operating
costs and make facilities sustainable in the long-term.</p><p>Details of the eligibility
process will be published shortly, however, this fund will focus on those public swimming
pool providers whose cost pressures are most acute, leaving them most vulnerable to
closure. The Government intends for community and charitable trusts to be eligible
to receive this funding. Sport England will manage a competitive application process
and set out further detail on eligibility shortly.</p>
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