Free swimming for under-16s and over-60s in England will be axed from the end of July as part of government cuts. The scheme, introduced in April 2009, was due to run until next March but ministers say it was not good value. They say although 18 million free swims were taken up in the first year, many of those who took part would have done so anyway, even if they had to pay. Ending the scheme on 31 July will save £40m of the £140m cost of the scheme, the government says.
