The Fitness Industry Association (FIA) is assisting PPL - the music licensing company which represents performers and record companies - to undertake a consultation exercise to determine a fair and equitable tariff for the use of recorded music within fitness facilities.

The FIA has secured a commitment from PPL to set an equitable rate, which reflects the actual use of music in the industry, rather than a tariff set by comparison with perceived peer industries.

The current tariff has remained unchanged for over 20 years, and securing this consultation is a major bonus for the industry.

The PPL is responsible for collecting fees due in connection with the playing of sound recordings in public places.

The FIA Working Group, which also comprised senior executives from operating companies, has secured an undertaking from PPL that, in order to protect operators' interests, market-sensitive information will be collected and collated by the FIA and that only aggregated data will be submitted to PPL for assessment.

The consultation process has started and requires input from operators and instructors. Confidential questionnaires will be despatched shortly: these should be completed and returned to the FIA.

David Stalker, FIA executive director, said: "This consultation demonstrates our commitment to meeting our legal requirements and still paying a fair and equitable rate."

"The more responses we receive, the greater the likelihood of securing an equitable tariff, so I urge everyone who receives a questionnaire to please complete and return it."

PPL's tariff development executive, Mark Steel, says: "PPL is pleased to be working with the FIA to create a structure that's both fair to our members and easy to administer for all."