targeted water safety initiative
Wandsworth Council is implementing a new targeted leisure scheme, following the scrapping of its 'Access for All' scheme, while a proposed water safety initiative is also under consideration.
Wandsworth Council's Finance Overview and Scrutiny Committee decided in October 2026 to replace the 'Access for All' leisure scheme with a new, more targeted Culture and Leisure Concession Scheme. This new scheme, which aims for a more financially sustainable approach to concessionary access to leisure facilities, is set to launch in January 2027.
The council has a proposed targeted water safety initiative, aiming to provide free swimming lessons for children aged seven to 16 who cannot swim 25 metres. The decision to move to a targeted model follows the previous 'Access for All' scheme, introduced in 2023, being deemed unsustainable due to its broad eligibility criteria.
The new Culture and Leisure Concession Scheme will concentrate on specific areas, replacing the broad eligibility of the former scheme. This new model, which the Finance Overview and Scrutiny Committee decided upon, is expected to launch in January 2027.
Key facts
- Wandsworth Council's Finance Overview and Scrutiny Committee decided to scrap the 'Access for All' leisure scheme on 8 October 2026. Source
- The 'Access for All' leisure scheme will be replaced by a new Culture and Leisure Concession Scheme. Source
- The new Culture and Leisure Concession Scheme is set to launch in January 2027. Source
- The 'Access for All' leisure scheme was introduced in 2023. Source
- The current scheme was deemed unsustainable due to broad eligibility and reliance on reserves. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 9 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.