Image copyright Pure Gym
The boss of Britain's largest health club chain is asking for the federal government to take away VAT from health club memberships to enhance the nation's well being.
Humphrey Cobbold, head of Pure Gym, advised Radio 5 reside that value was "the single most important" issue when deciding whether or not to affix a health club.
VAT at the usual price of 20% is charged on health club memberships and died to prospects.
The Treasury recommended its palms have been tied by European Union VAT guidelines.
Mr Cobbold mentioned his prospects weren't "in perfect nick physically" and have been working onerous to get themselves "in better body shape and better mental shape".
"It seems a little bit strange for the government to tax that at 20% when we want more people to be doing it," he advised Wake Up to Money.
"Price is the single most important thing, particularly in some of the more low earning [parts of Britain] where I am passionate that we continue to open facilities."
VAT will not be charged on meals and drinks, and sure items and companies corresponding to medical prescriptions and sports activities actions delivered on a non-profit foundation.
A Treasury spokesperson mentioned: "If a health club doesn't make a revenue its members can pay no VAT on membership charges below EU regulation.
"But until we leave the EU it is not possible to extend this exemption to profit-making gyms."
Pure Gym's founder Peter Roberts has beforehand referred to as for a VAT minimize, mentioning that solely about one in seven folks within the UK is a member of a health club.
Gemma has OCD, however has discovered bodybuilding helps her handle and works as a coping technique.
Launched in 2009, Pure Gym gives subscriptions from £9.99 a month and has a million members.
The chain retains its prices low as a result of it solely gives health club services, not swimming swimming pools or racquet courts. It additionally employs simply a few workers per website supported by self-employed trainers.
The mannequin seems to be working properly: membership was up 13% final yr whereas income jumped 63% to £64.4m.