Active Sweden has now released its first report on the proposed FYS deduction - a government tax deduction for physical activity. The report was presented during the political week in Almedalen and is intended to contribute to a broader discussion on how more people should be given the financial opportunity to exercise.
At its heart is the idea of greater equality in access to exercise. While the current fitness allowance mainly reaches people in work, an FYS deduction could also cover groups such as pensioners, people on sick leave and the unemployed - groups that are often far from regular physical activity, but have much to gain from moving more.
From the content of the report:
- Physical inactivity costs society SEK 16.5 billion per year.
- One fifth of all cases of depression, stress and anxiety can be linked to sedentary lifestyles and insufficient physical activity, according to the Public Health Agency of Sweden.
- The FYS deduction is proposed to cover, among other things, gym cards, group exercise and coach-led activity.
- The reform is based on the structure of RUT and ROT, but is aimed at public health.
- International examples show that financial incentives can make a difference.
For the fitness industry, the report offers a concrete vision: to lower the thresholds for those who do not already exercise, thereby contributing to societal benefits and opening the door to new target groups.
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Read the full report (PDF): Active Sweden - Physical activity deductions for increased public health and physical activity
Interview on Sweaty Business with Katarina Andersson, President of Active Sweden
