A COUNCIL has refused to pass on a VAT reduction to leisure centre users.

A letter from Monmouthshire County Council leader, Councillor Peter Fox, revealed any users of  Pay and Play Fitness Suites at leisure centres in the county would not receive the 2.5% VAT reduction announced by Gordon Brown in November last year.

Councillor Fox also confirmed any council charge of £1 or less on any service such as vending machines would also be exempt from the reduction.

He said: "We did not pass on the saving because of the negative effect that this would have on income.

On charges of £1 or less he said: "This was a council decision to be applied across the board – the main area where this would apply would be in our vending machines where most if not all products retail at less than £1.

The decision came to light comes after Councillor Armand Watts, who represents Thornwell Chepstow, wrote to the council leader expressing his concerns.

Councillor Watts said: "I think it's absolutely disgusting that Monmouthshire Council  has refused to pass on the cut when people are suffering from these harsh economic times.

"What this Tory council does not seem to understand is that for normal working people every little helps and even a cut in the price on their gym membership or vending machine products are welcome."

John Griffiths AM, who represents Newport East said: "I am concerned that  Monmouthshire council has not passed on the VAT reduction.

"It is important that service users, such as those trying to stay fit and healthy through using the Pay and Play Fitness Suite, benefit from the cut and are encouraged to continue to enjoy council facilities."