Huw Edwards, CEO of ukactive, said:

'This announcement takes a narrow view of the support required by businesses, ignoring the immediate pressure facing fitness and leisure facilities across the UK.

'The Chancellor seems to have forgotten gyms, pools and leisure centres were also closed during the pandemic and without further protection operators have told us their business rates will rise by as much as 60%. This will force many to increase prices for customers, heightening the risk of reduced services, redundancies, and in some cases, the loss of gyms and pools from our communities entirely.

'In a time of growing health inequalities, these facilities have taken pressure off the NHS and helped to grow employment and high street renewal.

'Health and fitness clubs see 600 million visits a year, but the Chancellor’s decision completely undermines this industry success story. Instead, these essential community facilities face the impact of two regressive Budgets which have piled on operational costs and suffocated employment opportunities.

'We need an immediate package of support which is inclusive of fitness and leisure or the Government will damage this sector and the health of the nation.'