Liberal Democrats want to save free child swimming in Medway

The Medway Liberal Democrats are deeply disappointed to see that the Labour administration is planning to end free swimming for under 16s, raising the cost of a family to swim at a council pool by nearly 80%. We appreciate the dire financial situation left to Labour by the previous Conservative administration, as well as local government funding cuts by the Conservative central government. However, we believe that it is an extremely shortsighted action that is also a threat to our children’s health.

Medway has a childhood obesity problem. NHS figures from November 2023 show that Medway has the highest obesity rate across Kent, with 23.1% children aged 10 and 11 are classed as obese. This is higher than the pre-pandemic figure of 21.8%. Medway also has a child poverty problem. Data released by End Child Poverty in July 2023 shows 30.6% of children in Medway live in poverty, far greater than the average 25% across the south-east. Children in deprived areas of Medway are more than twice as likely to be obese than those living in more affluent areas.

With these facts in mind, we believe that it is completely bizarre that the Labour administration think it is acceptable to end a programme that delivers one of the best forms of exercise for children who cannot afford to go swimming normally. Currently a family of two adults and two children can go swimming for £14.30. If the Labour administration scrap the free swimming for children, this will rise by 78% to £25.50  During the current cost of living crisis, this will only mean less children undertaking healthy exercise and increasing childhood obesity rates.

Obese children are more likely to become obese adults. And obesity is a cause for chronic diseases in children such as diabetes and cancer. If we don’t ensure our children remain fit and healthy, not only do we diminsh their childhood, we will also paying more for their healthcare later on and putting greater strain on our NHS.

Stuart Bourne, Parliamentary candidate for Gillingham & Rainham, says ‘I’m a parent of two children, so I know how hard it is to get them to exercise. But swimming has always been the easiest way, because it’s fun and children love the pool. By stopping the free child swimming, the Labour council is hurting the poorest in Medway who are desperately trying to keep their kids fit and healthy.’

The Medway Lib Dems have set up a petition calling on Medway Council to try and find the savings it needs to make in other areas, and to save free child swimming in Medway. If you agree and think the health of children is important then please sign our petition at: www.medwaylibdems.org.uk/campaigns/save-free-child-swimming

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