Question reference: S6W-16563
- Date lodged: 31 March 2023
-
Current status: Answered by Maree Todd on 21 April 2023
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will introduce any financial measures to support (a) public leisure facilities and (b) schools, which have swimming pools.
Answer
Local sport and leisure facilities, including swimming pools, are vital in supporting the physical and mental health of the nation.
We understand the challenging financial circumstances of operating and maintaining leisure facilities faced by local authorities, largely due to the cost of living crisis. It is the statutory responsibility of all local authorities to manage and maintain their school estate, including swimming pools.
Following the announcement by the UK Government of the financial package to support swimming pools in England, we are considering what support, including ensuring the longer term sustainability and energy efficiency of these facilities, can be provided to the sport and leisure sector in Scotland.
The Scottish Government will continue to work with sportscotland, local authorities, COSLA, Community Leisure UK and Scottish Swimming to understand the challenges facing swimming pools and leisure facilities.