Wandsworth Claims Concession Scheme Best in the Country
Expanding range of discounts available to eligible residents
L to R: Council Chief Executive Andrew Travers; Director Climate Change, Policy and Communications Clare O’Connor; Leader of Wandsworth Council Simon Hogg. Picture: Mickey Lee
April 30, 2025
Wandsworth Council is making the claim that its concession scheme for services and local activities is the best in Britain.
It has recently expanded the scope of the Access for All initiative which offers eligible residents 100% to 50% discounts to a range of services from gym sessions to swimming lessons, wedding ceremonies to event tickets.
It launched last year with a range of offers focused on sports and leisure activities, such as free gym and swimming in our leisure centres, free sessions in Tooting Bec Lido, and free holiday swimming lessons.
The council says there were 80,000 bookings made through the scheme in local leisure centres.
Some of the new additions include free birth certificates for new births registered at Wandsworth Town Hall, 50% off an annual membership for a bikehangar, and £3 tickets to exciting events as part of Wandsworth’s year as London Borough of Culture, including Battersea Park in Concert and the famous Battersea Park Fireworks.
Simon Hogg, Leader of Wandsworth Council, said: “Our Access for All scheme, which has already proven hugely popular with residents, aims to ensure every resident benefits from the opportunities that make Wandsworth such a great place to live.
“That’s why it was a priority for us to make the scheme available to almost all chargeable Council services and work with our partners to introduce discounted tickets so everyone can afford a great day out in our fantastic borough.
“We are proud to offer both the lowest Council Tax in the country and Britain’s best concession scheme, creating a fairer borough where everyone can thrive, regardless of their circumstances.”
One of the new offers includes 50% off the price of a wedding or civil partnership at Wandsworth Town Hall. Hameed, a local resident, got married on Saturday 26 April and was the first to receive this new discount. He said, “The Access for All scheme offers many discounts. I would definitely recommend other individuals to learn more about. It really makes it easy to book venues and other services, such as gym memberships.”
Access for All also offers tailored support to help residents access employment and education, or overcome other barriers they may face in their lives. For example, new parents can get a free baby box to help with the early days of a child’s life, and English and Maths tutoring will be available to help residents develop essential skills.
The refreshed scheme comes with a brand-new digital membership card that eligible residents can use to access the offers. This will be saved in their smartphone’s digital wallet, or they can have a physical card if a smartphone is not available.
Proof of eligibility will be required to apply for a membership card, but then eligible residents only need to show their membership card when accessing any of the offers.
To see the full list of offers and check out the eligibility criteria, head to the dedicated Access for All webpage.
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