The Free Swimming Capital Modernisation Development Programme (SCMP) is an innovative collaboration between the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF), Sport England (SE), the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) and the Local Government Association (LGA).

As such, the programme aims to bring with it flexibility to encourage creative approaches to enhancing swimming facilities and increasing participation in physical activity and sport by members of the local community, especially those aged 60 or over and those aged 16 or under.

The Prospectus sets out arrangements for applications from Local Authorities under the Free Swimming Capital Modernisation Programme 2008-11 for improvements to publicly accessible swimming pools in local authority or maintained school ownership. The Free Swimming Capital Modernisation Programme is intended to address some of the needs of the swimming stock in England as part of the Government’s Free Swimming Programme.

Sport England is accepting bids up to 24 October.

	Read the updated prospectus to find out more about the arrangements for application to the Free Swimming Capital Modernisation Programme. Download prospectus  (PDF)
	A number of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) have been developed to assist Local Authorities in developing applications under this programme. Download the FAQs
	The Application for Funding Guidance specific to the Free Swimming Capital Modernisation Programme is essential reading prior to logging on to complete an initial application for funding. Download the guidance pack (PDF)
	You should apply for funding via the Sport England website Apply for funding
	A series of Design Guidance notes are available on a range of subjects Disabled access (PDF) Facility Audit Sheets (PDF) Swimming (PDF)