Children living in poverty could gain free access to Moray leisure centres and swimming pools

Children living in poverty could be in line for free access to Moray Council leisure centres.

SNP councillor for Speyside Glenlivet Juli Harris is calling for Fit Life membership to be given to young people. This will  allow them to use sports facilities and swimming pools for nothing.

She said: “This is more than getting exercise, its about engaging in life.”

Ms Harris asked members to “level the playing field” for children when families were feeling a “squeeze” on finances.

She added that one in five children in Moray lives in poverty, and engaging in sports is linked to increased wellbeing and other health benefits, better educational outcomes and improved economic prospects.

The move was made at a meeting of the education, children’s and leisure services committee this week.

The motion asked the committee to acknowledge that poorer children are less active than those from wealthier backgrounds to take part in sports and exercise. It asked for officers to bring forward a report on introducing free Fit Life membership for children living in poverty in Moray.

SNP councillor for Scott Lawrence seconded the motion.

He said: “We’re seeing young people in working families pushed into poverty because of the cost of living crisis in the UK”.

Mr Lawrence also highlighted the positive impact learning to swim had on people’s confidence and helping them combat anxiety.

The Fit Life scheme run by the council allows access to local authority leisure and sports facilities.

It costs £372 a year or £31 a month for a family card covering two adults.

‘Level the playing field’

Membership fees for individuals are £276 per annum or £23 monthly.

Members agreed that the issue should go to the council’s cost of living working group to take the matter forward.

Another proposal to wave fees for all borrowers on overdue books from council libraries will also be considered by the cost of living group.

The motion was put forward by SNP councillor for Elgin North Jérémie Fernandes, who felt the charges had a disproportional impact on low income families.