The cost of keeping your New Year’s resolution is going up and risks putting people off, Labour shows today.

People enrolling at leisure centres across England today to get fit in 2014 will find that the price of annual membership and individual fitness sessions has increased.

Two-thirds of local authority gyms have increased the cost of an annual membership in the last three years – some by up to £100 - a Labour survey of almost 100 councils has revealed.

Since 2010, David Cameron has made severe cuts to local government – leaving council services struggling for money.

A yearly pass now costs £368 on average, an increase of £15 since 2010 - but 48 councils introduced above average hikes.

The price of individual gym classes after work on weekday evenings have increased too at almost every local authority centre – now £5.95 per visit on average.

Luciana Berger MP, Labour’s Shadow Public Health Minister, said:

“Millions of people across the country will want to kick-start 2014 by getting fitter and more active.

“There is a real risk however that many people will be put off from keeping to their New Year’s resolutions by soaring gym charges and David Cameron’s failure to tackle the cost-of-living crisis.

“With worrying obesity levels and stagnating physical activity levels, we desperately need Ministers to make gym and leisure facilities accessible and affordable for all.”

Clive Efford MP, Labour’s Shadow Sports Minister, said:

“Sadly, councils are either forced to increase charges or cut services all together. This will make it harder for people on low incomes to access leisure facilities and these people already use these services in the lowest numbers.”