6,500 Register for Wandsworth Access for All Scheme
Concession programme provides discounted or free access to services
Picture: Wandsworth Council
September 24, 2025
Wandsworth Council’s flagship concession programme, Access for All, has reached a series of milestones less than six months after its expansion, with over 6,500 residents now enrolled and thousands already benefitting from discounted or free access to local services.
The scheme, described by the council as “Britain’s best concession scheme,” offers eligible residents between 50% and 100% discounts on a wide range of activities and services—from leisure centre access to cultural events and school uniform vouchers. It is part of the council’s broader commitment to building a fairer borough and easing financial pressures during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
Since May 2025, the scheme has facilitated:
- Nearly 30,000 visits to borough leisure centres, including 3,000 free tickets to Tooting Bec Lido.
- Thousands of discounted tickets to London Borough of Culture events such as Country on the Common, Battersea Park in Concert, and Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical.
- School uniform vouchers of up to £170 for over 1,200 children entering Reception or Year 7.
- Concession memberships with micro-mobility providers Lime, Forest, and Voi, offering half-price e-bike and e-scooter hire.
- Distribution of 136 Baby Boxes to new parents, containing essential items and linking families to council-run Family Hubs.
Council Leader Simon Hogg said the scheme is helping to ensure that “no one is priced out of accessing key services and local activities.” He added, “We’re proud to be leading the way nationally, providing both the lowest Council Tax in the country and Britain’s best concession scheme.”
The scheme has been recognised by the Local Government Association as an example of best practice, with other councils reportedly seeking guidance on replicating the model. It continues to evolve through a data-led approach, with recent expansions into private sector partnerships aimed at broadening the range of offers available.
Access for All complements other council initiatives, including the largest Cost of Living Fund in London, the expansion of Family Hubs, and a partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which provides free monthly books to children from birth to age five.
Eligible residents can apply for a digital or physical membership card, which grants access to all offers. Proof of eligibility—such as receipt of Universal Credit, Free School Meals, or Carer’s Allowance—is required. Full details and application instructions are available on the Access for All webpage.
Local businesses interested in partnering with the scheme are invited to contact the council via accessforall@wandsworth.gov.uk.
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