The local authority leisure agency model in 2025 - How is the market responding to this tax efficient model and what could it mean for you?
The webinar will take place on Tuesday 24 June 2025 from 10am to 11:15 am and will examine the latest legal, operational and financial implications of the leisure agency model – from Council run facilities to outsourced models.
The leisure agency model is a tax efficient way for local authorities to benefit from the VAT manual update, post HMRC v Chelmsford City Council [2022], that local authority leisure service provision is not a business activity subject to VAT. This offers savings to local authorities both delivering leisure services directly and also where delivery is carried out on their behalf by an operator acting as the authority’s agent.
Blake Morgan is delighted to host this webinar in partnership with FMG Consulting, one of the leading sport and leisure management consultancies in the UK.
This webinar will be tailored to heads of leisure, legal teams and heads of finance at local authorities, alongside leisure operators.
Topics will include:
- A quick recap of the impact of the VAT changes and what they have meant for existing and future leisure provision
- A focus on the technical and financial implications of these changes and how to maximise the windfall under the new model and how this is demonstrated to authorities
- Some case studies showing how the leisure agency model is being implemented three years after HMRC v Chelmsford City Council [2022] ruling and HMRC’s update of the VAT manual
- Exploration of contract variations to the Sport England contract to deliver the agency model whilst managing risk of further changes to the VAT landscape
- High level procurement considerations where implementing the agency model in new and existing leisure outsourcing contracts
- Q&A session with our panel
Speakers
Penny Rinta-Suksi
Partner
Penny is a commercial lawyer. She leads Blake Morgan’s Local Government England team with over 20 years’ experience in advising private sector clients, funders, public sector and third sector on major projects and commercial contracts.
Rob Thomas
Partner
Rob is a partner in the Corporate team of Blake Morgan, based primarily in the Cardiff office, specialising in corporate tax. He is an experienced specialist in both UK domestic and cross-border tax and a Chartered Tax Adviser.
Kevin Godden
Managing Director - FMG Consulting
Kevin is the Managing Director at FMG Consulting. He is a qualified accountant who has vast experience and sector knowledge of strategy, facility development, finance and procurement gained from projects in the UK and abroad.
Bea Wheatley
Senior Consultant - FMG Consulting
Bea is a Senior Consult at FMG. She has worked on numerous strategy and facility development projects and is particularly experienced in consultation, data and business analysis, and the procurement of public sector leisure services.
Rob Jefferies
Senior Associate
Rob is a commercial lawyer and specialist in the field of commercial contracts, supporting organisations in both the public and private sectors. He is a key member of Blake Morgan’s Local Government England team and Healthcare team.
Oliver Crich
Partner
Oliver is a public procurement law specialist with extensive experience in the health and social care sector. His clients include local and national commissioners of public services, as well as providers in both the public and private sectors.
Details
Date:
Tuesday 24 June 2025
Time:
10am – 11:15am
Location:
Webinar
Cost:
No charge
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