Swimming Pool Support Fund’s second phase opens for applications

The second phase of the Swimming Pool Support Fund is now open to applications from local authorities in England with pools in their area. It will see £40 million of government funding being made available for local authorities to invest in improving the energy efficiency of public facilities with pools in the medium to long term.

Sport England, which is managing the fund, is also providing £20m of National Lottery capital funding to complement the government money, bringing the total capital fund to £60m.

The second phase follows the £20 million first phase of the fund, which opened to applications earlier in the summer and is now closed, with funding decisions expected by the end of this month.

The fund is open to local authorities in England that have at least one publicly accessible swimming pool, that offers pay-as-you-swim sessions, that would benefit from improved energy efficiency as a result of this support.

Completed application forms will be able to be submitted via the online portal from 3 October 2023, with the window closing at noon on 17 October 2023.

Sport England’s executive director for places, Lisa Dodd-Mayne, said the funding would have a major impact on the future of public pools.

“Swimming pools play a vital role in the health and wellbeing of our nation and are a key resource for many communities as we work to increase activity levels,” she said.

“That’s why it’s vital we support local authorities to ensure the long-term viability of these important facilities.

“This latest capital investment, which is worth £60m, will improve the energy efficiency of public facilities with pools and is targeted at the places with greatest need.

“By helping to keep running costs down, it will help keep hundreds of pools open and ensure future generations can learn to swim and enjoy a lifetime of benefits.”

Sport England says that it expects each successful local authority application to receive between £20,000 and £1 million.

To find out more and to apply for funding, click here.