Budget Strategy and MTFS Update 2026/27 - 2028/29
Barking and Dagenham Council's budget strategy for 2026/27-2028/29 is being shaped by decisions, including a leisure contract change expected to boost income.
Barking and Dagenham Council's cabinet approved a change to its leisure contract in August 2025, which is expected to generate an additional £260,000 in income annually. This decision, relevant to the budget strategy for 2026/27-2028/29, followed an HMRC VAT ruling designating local authority leisure provision as non-business.
The new 'Agency Model' arrangement with SLM Limited (Everyone Active) commenced in September 2024, with a 10-year term and an optional 5-year extension. The council's Leader, Cllr Dominic Twomey, explained the legal and financial implications of this change.
Key facts
- Barking and Dagenham Council's cabinet approved a leisure contract change on 19 August 2025. Source
- The change is expected to bring an extra £260,000 per year in income. Source
- The decision followed an HMRC VAT ruling. Source
- The contract with SLM Limited (Everyone Active) commenced on 15 September 2024. Source
- The contract has a term of 10 years, with an optional extension of 5 years. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.