In a statement released yesterday (6 August), Richmond Council and Deputy Leader Cllr Julia Neden-Watts responded to reports from some media outlets suggesting that migrants can use council facilities for free, while residents must pay.

Cllr Neden-Watts said: "Richmond Council is proud to support all residents to lead active, healthy lives — regardless of their immigration status.

"Promoting access to sport and exercise not only improves individual wellbeing but also helps reduce isolation and strengthen community connections.

"It is particularly disappointing that, at a time of heightened tensions regarding sanctuary seekers, some media outlets have contributed to these tensions by running stories without first ascertaining the facts.

"In point of fact, the vast majority of those seeking sanctuary in our borough are people who have arrived in this country either through legal routes — including those offered to Ukrainians, Hong Kong British Nationals, and Afghans — or they are unaccompanied asylum-seeking children."

Richmond Council does offer discounts and in some cases free access to certain activities at its sports and fitness centres for eligible residents through its Richmond Card scheme.

This includes individuals receiving any of the following:

• Jobseeker's Allowance
• Income Support
• Housing Benefit
• Working Tax Credit
• Disability Allowance
• Carer's Allowance
• Universal Credit
• Pension Credit

Sanctuary seekers and people in emergency accommodation in Richmond, can also apply for the Richmond Card and receive free access to gym and swimming facilities at select centres:

• Pools on the Park, Richmond
• Teddington Pools and Fitness Centre
• Shene Sports and Fitness Centre
• Whitton Sports and Fitness Centre
• Hampton Sports and Fitness Centre

Cllr Neden-Watts continued: "It is also disappointing that no mention has been made of the fact that by far the greatest number of recipients of the Fairer Access Concession are British nationals living in emergency accommodation.

"Instead, a misleading impression has been given that those seeking sanctuary in this borough are in some way receiving preferential treatment, thereby adding to the aforementioned heightened tensions.

"Finally, it should be noted that access to the Sanctuary Seeker Concession is funded through Government grants and makes use of existing facilities and resources, so there is no additional cost to the Council taxpayer and no impact on the availability of services for other users."

When asked which media outlets were publishing the 'misleading' reports, a Richmond Council spokesperson told Nub News: "Throughout the past week, there have been some misleading reports in the national press about local leisure access.

"The Council issued a public statement to clarify the facts and reassure residents.

"We are not aware of the basis or source of the claims reported. However, we are committed to correcting any misinformation when it arises."

To find out more about the fairer and free access concessions, visit the Council website here.

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