Leisure Contract Report
Barking and Dagenham Council is receiving extra income from its leisure contract following a change approved in August 2025.
Barking and Dagenham Council is set to receive an additional £260,000 annually in income from its leisure contract. This follows the council's cabinet approval in August 2025 to change to an 'Agency Model' arrangement with SLM Limited (Everyone Active), aiming to increase income and recover VAT on costs.
The contract with SLM Limited commenced in September 2024 and has a 10-year term, with an optional 5-year extension. The decision to change the model was prompted by an HMRC VAT ruling that designated leisure provision by local authorities as non-business.
Key facts
- Barking and Dagenham Council's cabinet approved a change to its leisure contract on 19 August 2025. Source
- The change is expected to bring an extra £260,000 per year in income. 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
- The decision followed an HMRC VAT ruling designating leisure provision by local authorities as non-business. 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.