Gym Membership

Minipo

I am a student member of an independent (but fairly large) and expensive local gym/ 'health club'. When I signed up for my years contract (October 2019) I was worried about not being in my town for the whole year. They assured me that if I moved away or had a critical reason why I couldn't pay I could freeze my membership to £5/pm. I was happy with this and signed the contract. 

Due to coronavirus the gym has now closed and is charging all members a 'freeze rate' of £10/pm in order to protect the club and in exchange for some online workouts that are available on the facebook page for anyone (member or not) to view.  

I have contacted the club and asked if I could be put on the student freeze rate as agreed when I signed up, to which they have refused. I have also now been charged full price today which pays for Aprils membership. I have now paid for 41 days full price when the club has been closed. 

I have told them I am cancelling the DD and have just done that. Do you think I have done the right thing? They have actively tried to guilt trip me for not helping to 'protect' the independent business but compared to the reaction from other gyms I feel like I am being taken for a ride. 
 

[Deleted User]

No. It's never the right thing to cancel the DD as that's going to cost you additional fees.  Get that back in place ASAP.

Dispute the fees, but based on the terms of the contract.  You can use the DD guarantee later if needed, if it's shown they've charge you incorrectly.