Low-income families in South London can now get major discounts on upcoming events, birth certificates and even weddings to tackle inequality. Wandsworth Council has expanded its Access for All scheme to include more key services to help struggling residents take part in more opportunities.
The council launched the scheme with a focus on sports in 2023 and extended it in 2024, with free gym and swim memberships at leisure centres and free sessions at Tooting Bec Lido. It said 80,000 bookings have already been made at its leisure centres through the scheme.
The authority has now expanded Access for All with 50 to 100 per cent discounts on most of its chargeable services to make it ‘Britain’s best concession scheme’. It comes after the council’s environment committee approved plans to add new offers to the scheme for eligible residents over the course of 2025.
The latest additions include 50 per cent discounts on weddings or civil partnerships at Wandsworth Town Hall and annual memberships for bike hangars. Eligible residents can also get free birth certificates for new births and £3 tickets to events being held as part of Wandsworth’s year as London Borough of Culture – including Battersea Park in Concert and Battersea Park Fireworks.
The council continues to offer free off-peak gym and swim memberships for eligible residents, which can be extended to peak times for a small charge.
The authority is also rolling out extra support to help residents access education and employment as part of the scheme. New parents can get a free baby box with clothes, bedding and other items to help with the early days of their child’s life, while English and Maths tutoring will be available to help residents develop key skills.
Labour council leader Simon Hogg said: “Our Access for All scheme, which has already proven hugely popular with residents, aims to ensure every resident benefits from the opportunities that make Wandsworth such a great place to live. That’s why it was a priority for us to make the scheme available to almost all chargeable council services and work with our partners to introduce discounted tickets so everyone can afford a great day out in our fantastic borough.
“We are proud to offer both the lowest council tax in the country and Britain’s best concession scheme, creating a fairer borough where everyone can thrive, regardless of their circumstances.”
The upgraded scheme comes with a new digital membership card that eligible residents can use to access the offers. Residents can find the full list of offers and eligibility criteria on the council’s website.
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