MUDDLED thinking seems to lie behind what in principle sounds a sensible idea.

The Government has set up a national £140m national fund to support free swimming for the over 60s and the under 16s. The money will be split between local authorities over a two year period starting next year.

And it is, as ever, not the idea, but the detail that is causing the problem.

Kirklees Council cabinet agrees that it is a good idea to encourage these two age groups to take more exercise. What they have a problem with is who is going to pay?

And the idea that council tax payers might have to dive in and cover the shortfall is causing anger among cabinet members.

Perhaps those who dreamt up this, what is admittedly in theory a good idea, should take the plunge, do the research and see whether we can really afford this kind of scheme long term.