London Councils Offer Free Gym Access to Asylum Seekers

Asylum seekers in London are being offered free gym sessions and fitness classes, while local residents face membership fees of up to £52.50 per month. This initiative has sparked debate as councils implement discounts for asylum seekers on leisure activities, raising concerns among some residents about fairness in resource allocation.

Richmond Council, one of the participating local authorities, allows “sanctuary seekers” to apply for free leisure card subscriptions via its website. The Richmond Card provides free access to gym facilities, group exercise classes, and swimming lessons at five leisure centres within the borough. This initiative is aimed at supporting the integration of asylum seekers into the local community.

In contrast, a working adult in Richmond can expect to pay £52.50 monthly for similar access to fitness services. Critics have highlighted that this disparity in treatment may be unfair, particularly as over 6,000 asylum seekers have reportedly misused taxpayer funds intended for essential needs such as food and clothing, diverting them to gambling activities.

The Liberal Democrat-run Richmond Council has stated that it will accept an official letter from the Home Office or an Asylum Application Registration Card as proof of eligibility for the leisure card. This move aims to facilitate the inclusion of asylum seekers in community activities, which the council believes is integral to fostering supportive environments.

Neighboring Kingston Council has also joined the initiative, offering asylum seekers a discount of up to 50% on leisure activities through the Active Kingston Card. This card can be utilized across six leisure centres and covers a range of activities, including badminton, squash, tennis, and gym sessions. Similar discounts are also available to registered carers, pensioners, and individuals receiving benefits.

In Wandsworth, which is governed by the Labour Party, asylum seekers can benefit from a 50% discount on e-bike rentals. This approach has drawn criticism from various political figures. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp expressed his discontent, describing the initiative as a “slap in the face” to struggling families, stating, “It’s an insult to every struggling family in the country. Labour has the wrong priorities.”

In response to the criticism, a spokesman for Richmond Council emphasized that the free access schemes aim to provide discounts or free access to certain activities at sports and fitness centres for various groups, including pensioners, carers, and those living with disabilities. The council is committed to creating supportive and inclusive environments for sanctuary seekers, offering a range of services designed to facilitate their integration into local communities.

As discussions around these policies continue, the balance between supporting asylum seekers and addressing the concerns of local residents remains a critical issue for councils across London.