The members of the Cabinet are invited to consider whether they have a personal or prejudicial interest in connection with any of the items on this agenda and, if so, to declare it and state the nature of such interest.

Councillor Ian Lewis declared a personal interest in Item No. 2 – Free Swimming (Minute No. 106 refers), by virtue of him being a member of the Invigorate Scheme.

A report by the Director of Technical Services provided background information on the free swimming programme for juniors (up to the age of 18) and elderly people.  Members were asked to consider the retention of the free swimming option for juniors during the school holiday period and elderly people at all times, following consultation with leisure centre managers and swimming clubs.

The Cabinet were informed of the Petitions that had been received, signed by residents of the Borough who wanted free swimming to continue.

RESOLVED – That

(1)  free swimming be provided for juniors (up to the age of 18) in school holidays and elderly people all year round;

(2)  free access to Wirral’s Leisure Centre facilities be provided for personnel currently serving their country in the armed forces and ex service personnel who live in the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral;

(3)  Leisure Centres provide free swimming passes for looked after children and their carers during all public swimming sessions; and

(4)  the Leader be requested to write to swimming groups informing them of the Cabinet’s decision.