Agency Model
Barking and Dagenham Council's Agency Model for leisure services, approved in August 2025, is expected to generate £260,000 extra income annually.
Barking and Dagenham Council's cabinet approved an 'Agency Model' arrangement with SLM Limited for its leisure contract in August 2025. This change is projected to bring an additional £260,000 per year in income for the council. The contract with SLM Limited, which began in September 2024, has a 10-year term with an optional 5-year extension.
The decision to adopt the Agency Model followed an HMRC VAT ruling that designates leisure provision by local authorities as non-business. This ruling allows input VAT to be recovered on revenue and capital costs, as explained by Cllr Dominic Twomey, Leader of the Council. No further discussions or decisions on this topic are currently scheduled.
Key facts
- Barking and Dagenham Council's cabinet approved the move to an 'Agency Model' arrangement on 19 August 2025. Source
- The change is set to bring an extra £260,000 per year in income. Source
- The contract with SLM Limited 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.