APPENDIX 42
Further supplementary memorandum submitted
by Sport England
1. Is the current structure of the ASA
capable of supporting a nationwide swimming strategy?
2. The DCMS state in their memorandum
that "it is for local authorities to ensure that spatial
development plans and local sports development policies reflect
the importance of swimming and set aside sufficient investment
to improve or, if necessary, to replace existing facilities".
Does Sport England think that local authorities will be able to
cope with the estimated £10 billion bill necessary to update
England's facilities, without dedicated central government funding
or more Lottery provision?
3. Has the Government matched its rhetoric
on the value of swimming with resources and investment in the
sport?
Please find below Sport England's response to
request for further information:
1. The ASA's current structure can (and
has) supported the production of a national swimming strategy.
Implementing the strategy is dependent on Sport England in its
role as Lottery distributor and Local Authorities in their role
as owners and operators of pools.
Recommendation: The ASA should publish
its strategy immediately.
2. Funding of £10 billion is required
to modernise sports halls and swimming pool facilities (£2
billion* alone to modernise swimming pools). Without this investment,
large scale closure and deterioration of existing facilities will
occur.
Funding should be targeted and focused on areas
of greatest need (defined in terms of population and level of
swimming facilities). Sport England, through its extensive data
base and research tools, can do this objectively across the country.
Additional Treasury funding is urgently required.
This funding should be a ring-fenced programme and build on existing
knowledge about project evaluation and needs assessment. Sport
England, through its Facilities Planning Model (FPM) and other
research/management tools can, and do, advise, local authorities
in this evaluation. Any funding should be directed to local authorities
as they are the providers and operators of pools.
Recommendation
— Sport England continue to advise
Local Authorities to determine need and priority locations, based
on ASA strategy and Sport England facility assessment and sports
development work; and
— Central Government provides a ring-fenced
fund for swimming pool development managed by Sport England and
delivered to support local authorities.
3. No, the Government has not met its rhetoric
on the value of swimming with resources—as demonstrated
above, ie £2 billion* to modernise existing stock.
6 December 2001
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