Wandsworth residents unable to afford leisure facilities due to the Cost of Living crisis will from summer be able to use a gym and go for a swim for free.

The changes are part of the council's work to make the borough fairer and more compassionate and are the start of a wider review of council services to ensure concessions are targeted at people who need them the most.

Through leisure centre contractor Places Leisure, the initiative will mean that anyone receiving Universal Credit will be able to enjoy free off-peak adult gym and swim sessions (off peak is before 5.30pm on weekdays and all day at weekends).

The initiative will also ensure that young people aged 15 and under who receive free school meals will be able to swim for free. A parent or guardian caring for one or two children will also be able to join them free of charge so that families can enjoy a swim together. 

They will also be able to use the free junior gym, which is open to young people aged 11-15, and they can make a free sports booking, such as squash courts, during off peak hours.   

The offer will be in place in time for the start of the summer holidays. It follows on from other initiatives to help people on lower incomes including: 

• Free school uniforms 
• A network of warm spaces, including free food and activities in children's centres 
• A pilot scheme to provide free school breakfasts 
• London's biggest Cost of Living support package  

Last week the council announced "fairness" would be at the heart of all its policies. As part of this work the council is looking at a wider review of how fees for sports and leisure facilities can be made fairer so that they are more affordable for people on lower incomes. 

Council leader Simon Hogg said: " We are working hard to make Wandsworth a fairer borough. I am proud that, for the very first time in Wandsworth, residents who receive Universal Credit will be able to swim and use the gym for free during the daytime and at the weekend. Young people who receive Free School Meals will also be able to swim for free anytime – including at Tooting Bec Lido.

"We are clear in our determination to end the unacceptable gap between the health outcomes and life expectancy of people living in Wandsworth. 

"Ensuring no-one is priced out of accessing our gyms and swimming pools is a key part of that. We will review all our policies so that this council serves our residents more fairly." 

More details on how to access the free offer will be made available in the Spring and published on the council's website.