Council to enter contract negotiations to protect and improve local leisure services in West Oxfordshire

This follows an independent review to determine the best operating model to deliver leisure service when the current contract ends in 2027. The review highlighted that continuing with GLL will be the most financially sustainable option and will allow the council to protect and enhance its leisure services in West Oxfordshire ahead of the government’s Local Government reorganisation. 

Councillor Tim Sumner, Executive Member for Leisure and Carterton Area Strategy, said: 
“Leisure services are a vital part of our communities – helping residents stay active, healthy and connected. This decision is about protecting those facilities and services and choosing the most effective, affordable way to deliver them in the years ahead. 

“It’s also part of our wider commitment to invest in and improve leisure facilities across West Oxfordshire. The contract extension supports our £3.5 million programme to upgrade centres in Witney, Carterton and Chipping Norton — making them more accessible, energy-efficient and fit for the future. 

“And with local government changes ahead, it gives us the stability and flexibility to continue delivering high-quality leisure services, and protect those facilities.” 

The review found that extending the contract with GLL offers the best value for money and the most reliable way to meet the Council’s goals of providing high quality leisure facilities and helping improve people's health and wellbeing. 

It also confirmed that the Council’s leisure centres and facilities are performing well under the current contract: 

• Usage has returned to pre-COVID levels and in recent years there has been a real spike in the numbers of members joining  
• Swimming income remains strong, with fitness income improving in 2024/25 
• Centres were rated ‘very good’ in recent Quest assessments 
• Costs are well-managed, despite national pressures on energy and maintenance 

Extending the contract also provides stability ahead of local government reorganisation changes in Oxfordshire. It ensures continuity while the transition to the new councils takes place and allows the new council times to consider options moving forward. 

The Council will also work with GLL to explore further investment including use of Section 106 developer contributions - funds provided by housing developers to support local services like leisure, schools and green spaces - to upgrade facilities, having already agreed a £3.5m five-year improvement programme to enhance the centres including improvements to facilities, redecoration and essential maintenance. 

The Council expects to agree final terms with GLL in the coming months and will continue to keep residents informed about planned improvements to leisure facilities.