Plans to slap VAT on non-grass football pitches will do nothing to encourage people to get active and tackle obesity, an MP has warned.

More than 150 sites around the country offer all-weather pitches but the tax man is now demanding VAT at 20 per cent from the commercial sports companies providing the facilities.

Bradford South MP Gerry Sutcliffe, a former sports minister, said: “At a time when we are trying to increase sports participation this is a barrier to it. I understand the treasury is trying to maximise its income but they need to look at the other side of the argument – sports and keeping people fit will reduce the health budget.

A spokesman for Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs said: “Supplies made by commercial sports league providers are liable to the standard rate of VAT.

This has been the situation for years – there has been no change in policy.”