Change of Membership

dicoalto

I have been a member at my local health club for 20 years - the last ten years I have had off peak membership (9-5 Monday to Friday and after 2pm at weekends). The club have just told me I will have to pay for full membership from 1/1/2022 or leave. Can they do this? 

They say that they have only sold full memberships for the last 5 years and can no longer allow the 150 of us on the older memberships to continue using the club at its busiest times ( which have changed since COVID 19 apparently.) Off peak used to be the quieter times!

george9071

They would be well within their rights to do so, After covid-19 happened, I'm sure everybody knows that the economy took a hit so they are doing what's financially better for them and getting back on their feet.

dicoalto

Thanks. I just asked because there’s nothing in the agreement I signed  about changes.  

The_Fat_Controller

Why should they sell you something that has not been available for 5 years ?

They have given you reasonable notice and you have two choices, stay or vote with your feet.

dicoalto

Ok. Thanks for your responses. I overheard another member saying this was a breach of contract. I knew someone on here would be able to give me a straight answer and I haven’t had to ruffle any feathers by asking the management.  Much appreciated 

ssparks2003

Do you pay a yearly membership, monthly? When is your renewal date?

dicoalto

I pay monthly direct debit. They do offer 5% discount if you pay annually. I originally joined
2 April 2001 There are weekend only memberships that have received the same letter. It’s a big jump for them to go up to full time. 

ThumbRemote

It doesnt sound like a breach of contract; they are simply ending the contract, just as you also have the right to do. 

eddddy

dicoalto said:

I overheard another member saying this was a breach of contract. 

It would only be breach of contract if they broke/breached a term in the contract that you have with them.

You'd need to read the contract to check that. For example, is there a term in the contract that requires them to continue offering you off-peak membership (and at a lower cost than full membership), or similar?

TBH, I doubt there is a term like that. I suspect the contract allows them to end contract, if they give you notice and/or change membership fees etc, if they give you notice. And that's what they're now doing.