Who gets free Active Cards?

Friday 12 August 2016

Although the States says it can’t continue to give over 80-year-olds free gym membership, it’s been revealed they do give it to more than 240 members of staff.

Amongst the benefits of the free Active Cards are complimentary use of the gyms at Fort Regent, Les Quennevais and Springfield, and the pool at Les Quennevais. There are currently just over 7,000 Active Card members.

At the beginning of the year Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture announced it could no longer fund the over 80s scheme, although it later did a u-turn and re-instated it. There’s to be a full costings review in January and it seems likely the free membership will be scrapped.

But, according to critic Deputy Andrew Lewis, it’s a false saving. He believes the money saved by not issuing the complimentary cards, is balanced by the cost of treating people who don’t exercise.

It’s estimated there are 4,000 islanders aged over 80, and 58 of them are Active members.

In a response to a Freedom of Information request, it’s been revealed staff who work for the Sport Division receive an Active Card for themselves and a second card for one family member, whilst they are employed. Staff who have worked for more than 20 years for the Sport Division and retire in service, also receive a card for two years after their retirement. That seems to account for a total of 240 cards.

A further 118 cards have been issued to those on the Exercise Referral scheme if they claim income support from Social Security and have Long Term Incapacity Benefit (more than 60%), invalidity benefit, or are in receipt of their state pension and receiving income in the form of impairment for personal care and/or mobility.

The Freedom of Information response goes on to say: “Free Active Cards are also issued to several community health groups for staff and clients to use facilities as part of their rehabilitation. Currently these organisations include Silkworth Lodge, Brain Injury, Clairvale, Maison le Pape, Roseneath, Probation, Leaving Care and Mental Health.” These account for a further 37 cards.

Ten cards – of a limited time span - have also been given away as competition prizes.

This brings the total number of free Active Cards issued to 463.