Published Date:
08 March 2010
COUNCIL leaders in Sheffield have refused to reconsider taking up the Government's free swimming scheme for under-16s and over-60s.
Opposition Labour councillors called on the leading Liberal Democrat group to think again about accepting grant money for the initiative, which was introduced everywhere else in South Yorkshire and across the majority of the country in April last year.
However, the Liberal Democrats have again claimed that the Government cash would not cover the cost of implementing the scheme and taxpayers would be left footing a bill of up to £1.5m.
Labour councillor Jackie Drayton said: "The Lib Dems have ignored reassurances and personal invitations to join the scheme from three ministers, as well as ignoring a 3,000-strong petition and some brilliant research by the Yorkshire Post proving it wouldn't cost much at all. We're promising to introduce free swimming if we get elected in May."
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Last Updated:
08 March 2010 1:08 PM
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Source:
n/a
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Location:
Yorkshire
