Fury as Asylum Seekers Get Free Gym While Locals Pay Over £50 a Month

Asylum seekers in parts of London are being offered free gym access and fitness classes while local residents are left footing hefty monthly bills to use the same facilities. Unsurprisingly, the scheme has sparked a backlash as many working people are paying up to £52.50 a month for memberships others are getting entirely free.

Several London councils have rolled out leisure discounts specifically for asylum seekers, including Richmond Council, which allows “sanctuary seekers” to apply for free subscriptions via its website. Through the Richmond Card, applicants are granted free access to gym sessions, exercise classes, and swimming across five local leisure centres, reported the Express.

This has left many questioning the fairness of the policy, especially when working adults in the area are being charged full price for the same services. Meanwhile, thousands of asylum seekers across the UK are reportedly using state-issued support funds, intended for essentials like food and clothing, to gamble instead, according to recent claims.

Richmond Council, which is run by the Liberal Democrats, confirmed that a simple letter from the Home Office or an Asylum Application Registration Card is enough to qualify for the free leisure access. By contrast, the average local worker must shell out over £50 per month to enjoy the same amenities.

The controversial initiative was first flagged by the Guido Fawkes blog, which often highlights politically sensitive issues. But Richmond isn’t alone in these efforts.

Neighbouring Kingston Council has a similar setup. According to its website, asylum seekers there can get up to 50% off a wide range of activities through an “Active Kingston Card.” That includes use of six different leisure centres offering discounted gym sessions, tennis, squash, and badminton. The discounts are also available to carers, pensioners and people on certain benefits, which adds another layer to the debate.

Over in Wandsworth, which is Labour-run, the council is offering asylum seekers half-price access to e-bike rentals, further fuelling the argument that the system is skewed in favour of non-taxpayers.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp didn’t hold back in his criticism. “It’s an insult to every struggling family in the country,” he said. “Labour has the wrong priorities.” Many have echoed his view, describing the perks as tone-deaf, particularly during a time when millions are feeling the pinch of rising living costs.

Richmond Council, for its part, defended the scheme. A spokesperson said the programme wasn’t just for asylum seekers but included a broader group of eligible residents. “The fairer and free access schemes provide discounts or free access to some activities at our sports and fitness centres and is available to a number of eligible residents in Richmond, including pensioners, carers and those living with disabilities,” the statement read.

The council added that it is focused on inclusivity and supporting those seeking sanctuary, explaining that the aim is to help asylum seekers integrate into the local community through access to health and fitness services.

Still, the optics of giving away free gym memberships while many locals are tightening their belts isn’t sitting well with everyone. The row shows no sign of dying down anytime soon.