Powys Liberal Democrats have urged the county’s two Conservative MPs Fay Jones and Craig Williams to back introducing energy price relief schemes for leisure centres in the upcoming UK Government budget. 

Currently, swimming pools and leisure centres are excluded from most of the UK Governments’ energy support schemes despite other public facilities such as libraries and museums being able to benefit.

Lib Dem Leader of Powys Council, Cllr James Gibson-Watt said:

“It is beyond belief that the Conservatives are continuing to exclude swimming pools and leisure centres from energy price relief schemes. 

“Powys Liberal Democrats are committed to helping our wonderful towns thrive. The benefits leisure centres provide communities with are incalculable and help keep our county healthy. The UK Government must give them the help they need.

“Fay Jones and Craig Williams must support Lib Dems calls for leisure centres to receive support in the upcoming budget, before it is too late. Craig Williams in particular has a direct line to the Prime Minister  being his Parliamentary Private Secretary.”

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidate for Brecon and Radnorshire, David Chadwick said:

"The fabric of our communities is unravelling because of Conservative Cuts."

"Local sports and leisure facilities are vital resources not just for our health and wellbeing but also for the part they play in bringing people together.

“Not only has the Government failed to recognise their value to our communities, but it has also failed to appreciate the costs and challenges involved in keeping these resources running for us.

“After nearly 13 years of the Conservative government, it is heart-breaking to see the fabric of our communities unravelling because of Conservative cuts and their disastrous mismanagement of our economy.

“If I were the MP for Brecon and Radnorshire, securing this support would be my top priority, unfortunately so far, neither of Powys’ Conservative seem remotely interested in standing up for their constituents and are far more interested in towing the Party line.”