MP for East Devon Simon Jupp writes for this title.

Many people in East Devon use public swimming pools, such as the LED pools in Sidmouth, Exmouth and Honiton, and charity-run and independent-run swimming pools, such as the Flamingo Pool in Axminster. These pools play a vital role in helping people to stay fit, happy, and healthy.

But increased energy and operating costs placed pressure on many swimming pools.

After visiting Exmouth’s leisure centre, I met with the Chancellor ahead of the Budget in March 2023. The Chancellor listened to my concerns and announced the government’s £60 million Swimming Pool Support Fund at that Budget. I was pleased he heard my case last year and highlighted my campaign as he delivered the Budget in Parliament.

The Swimming Pool Support Fund was swiftly set up to help with the immediate cost pressures facing public swimming pool providers, as well as provide investment in energy efficiency measures.

So the government could pay councils the right amounts, councils had to apply to the fund – for both council-run pools and on behalf of charity-run and independent-run swimming pools in their areas.

Shockingly, East Devon District Council (EDDC) was the only council in the whole of Devon that did not ask for funding for any local swimming pools. Meanwhile, £1.4 million went to other councils in Devon to support pools in their local areas.

This should have been a priority for Lib Dem leader of the council Cllr Paul Arnott. Pools across Devon got hundreds of thousands for new heating and power systems, variable speed pumps, solar panels, and pool covers. EDDC, however, ran out of time to get the necessary paperwork in order, despite having seven months to do so like every other council.

Cllr Arnott wrote an open letter to me saying East Devon’s swimming pools needed support. Yet he chose to sit on his hands when this golden opportunity arose to secure financial support for our district. I’ve been contacted by people in the leisure sector who feel let down by this lack of leadership. I completely share their frustration. I did my bit, why did he fail to do his?