Content

To approve the implementation of a targeted
free-swimming offer pilot for children in receipt of a place on
Wiltshire Council’s Holiday Activity and Food programme and
secondary aged children eligible for benefits related free school
meals, during summer 2025.

Reasons for the decision

Wiltshire Council has a long-standing
commitment to inclusive leisure provision. A free-swimming offer
was previously delivered from 2009 to 2020 but was paused due to
the COVID-19 pandemic. This proposal reintroduces free-swimming via
the introduction of a pilot, targeted children in receipt of a
place on Wiltshire Council’s Holiday Activity and Food
programme and secondary aged children eligible for benefits related
free school meals. This aligns with the council’s strategic
goals of tackling health inequalities and supporting vulnerable
families.

The pilot scheme will provide up to 10 free swimming sessions per
eligible child during the six-week summer holiday period. It will
be trialled in summer 2025 and reviewed in September to assess
uptake, operational impact, and financial implications.

The introduction of this initiative has the potential to benefit up
to 6,131 young people. This is made up of an anticipated 1,200
children in receipt of a HAF place who are primary age, and 4,931
secondary aged children who are eligible for benefits related free
school meals.

Therefore, the maximum potential value of this initiative is
£190,061, calculated using a cost per session of £3.10,
and if total uptake is realised.

The cost of delivering the scheme during summer 2025 will be
underwritten by a) £50,000 contribution from Public Health,
b) use of existing capacity in Leisure, and c) Children’s
services existing budgets if uptake exceeds a and b. (a decision to
be made regarding c will be made once uptake is evaluated uptake
after summer delivery).

Our predictions suggest it is unlikely that option C above will be
required.

Reason for decision
Supports Wiltshire Council’s objectives around addressing
health inequality and child wellbeing.

Aligns with the HAF programme’s aims and funding
conditions.

Offers a cost-effective alternative to universal free swimming,
with a maximum estimated value of £190,061.

Reduces risk to core income streams such as swimming lessons and
junior memberships.

Encourages engagement from families who may face barriers to
physical activity.

Provides an additional opportunity to engage secondary aged
children, who statistically are less likely to engage in the HAF
programme, in enriching activities.

I confirm that in making this decision I have considered the
following in line with Wiltshire Council’s
Constitution:

Key decision requirements: Not applicable

Views of relevant cabinet member(s), committee chairman, area
board(s): Yes

Consultation with cabinet member(s), the Leader and Scrutiny (for
Executive decisions taken under Emergency Powers): Yes

Consultation in accordance with the council’s consultation
guidance and the views emanating from that process: Yes

Implication of any council policy, initiative, strategy or
procedure: Supports business plan and public health goals. Pilot
designed to mitigate impact on existing leisure services provision
and to enhance offer for those eligible for FSM.

Staffing, financial and legal implications: Yes. Increased demand
may require additional staffing and maintenance efforts to ensure
safe and quality service delivery.

The assessment of any associated risks in accordance with the
Council’s risk management strategy: Yes. Not offering this
programme may reduce access to physical activity for vulnerable
children and impact council reputation. Operational risk
assessments to be reviewed in light of this decision and normal
operations in terms of pool capacity and lifeguard cover to be
maintained.

Involvement of appropriate statutory officers and/or corporate
directors and directors: Not applicable

Regional or national guidance from other bodies where relevant: Not
applicable

The council’s constitution, including the Procurement and
Contract Rules (Part 10) and the Financial Regulations and
Procedure Rules (Part 9), all relevant guidance, legislation, codes
of practice, and protocols: Not applicable

Alternative options considered

Other options considered - Reason for
rejection

Not to introduce a free-swimming pilot - Missed opportunity to
support vulnerable children and utilise HAF funding
effectively.

Universal free swimming for all under-16s - High financial risk,
potential loss of income from memberships and lessons, and
misalignment with business plan.