The culture secretary has hit back at claims from councils that the flagship free swimming policy is under threat (The MJ, 12 February). Concern from some councils was rejected by Andy Burnham, pictured left, who challenged fears that funding pressures had forced 40% to start the scheme in full this April. Mr Burnham told The MJ he was ‘absolutely delighted with the positive response' from councils. Free swimming is to be introduced for under-16s and over-65s as part of the Olympic 2012 legacy through £140m government funding. According to Mr Burnham, almost 300 councils have now signed up. He said: ‘The number of local authorities which have signed up to our free swimming scheme has exceeded our expectations. And this can only be a good thing for the health of the nation. We want this to be just the start for free swimming. ‘We have incentivised councils to come on board and are sure many will follow the lead of local authorities, such as Wigan and Durham, and widen the offer further in the future. This would help leave a fantastic legacy from our home Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012.'