LGA: UK's public leisure centres facing 'crisis point'

Leisure centre operators are facing crisis point without access to emergency government funding or support, the Local Government Association (LGA) has warned.
The LGA has written to culture secretary Oliver Dowden, urging the government to ensure leisure trusts are given access to the new £750m grant-based package earmarked for the charity and social enterprise sector.
In the letter, LGA says councils are already working hard to support leisure providers and facilities during the COVID-19 lockdown, by introducing a range of emergency measures. These include relaxing performance requirements, advance payments, waiving management fees and offering financial support.
According to the LGA, however, in some cases, the support at local authority level isn't enough.
“Councils are deeply concerned about the future of leisure trusts, who are charities, societies or community interest companies," said Gerald Vernon-Jackson, chair of the LGA’s Culture, Tourism and Sport Board.
“Leisure facilities provide an affordable space for our communities to exercise and socialise with family and friends. They play a key role in improving our communities’ physical and mental wellbeing.
“If we do not act to save these vital community resources, it will cost us much more in the long-term both socially and economically. It is vital that the government works with councils and leisure providers to identify any potential funding to avoid reaching a crisis point.”
Local authorities are responsible for around a third of the UK's swimming pools, almost 20 per cent of health and fitness facilities and 31 per cent of grass pitches.
Earlier this month, the LGA published a comprehensive guide, titled Options for councils in supporting leisure providers through COVID-19, which outlines a number of measures local councils can introduce to assist leisure contractors and operators.


Water Quality Engineer
Swimming Teacher
General Manager
Swim Teacher
Operations Assistant
Catering Assistant
Lifeguards
Fitness Instructor
Team Leader
Recreation Attendant
Swimming Teacher
Team Leader
Facility Manager
National Volunteer Manager
Receptionist
Duty Manager
General Manager
Swim Manager
Operations Assistant (NPLQ required)
Duty Manager
Swim Teacher
Operations Assistant (NPLQ required)
Swimming Teacher
Swim Manager
Duty Manager
Deputy Sports Centre Manager
Deputy Sports Facilities Manager
Sports Development Officer (Capital)
Leisure Centre Manager
Duty Manager
Duty Manager
Video Gallery
Company profile
Featured Supplier

Property & Tenders
Company: Carmarthenshire County Council
Company: Halton Borough Council
Company: Walker Singleton
Company: Milton Keynes Council
Company: Bilborough College