Council Executive have approved the Annual Funding Agreement for West Lothian Leisure (WLL) for 2025/26.
It represents a saving of £500,000 from last year's funding agreement, as WLL work towards becoming financially sustainable without council support in the future. WLL are predicting a small budget surplus of around £100,000 for 2024/25, mainly due to an increase in membership.
Part of these savings includes paying back of the loan provided to WLL to enhance their gym facilities in Bathgate and Whitburn, which has allowed them to improve facilities to support increased income generation.
West Lothian Leisure provide a range of sporting and leisure facilities for local residents through their Xcite brand, which includes centres at Bathgate, Broxburn, Craigswood in Livingston, East Calder, Whitburn and Winchburgh.
Leader of West Lothian Council Lawrence Fitzpatrick said: "We are delighted to continue to support West Lothian Leisure with nearly £1.5 million for 2025/26.
"WLL have taken huge strides towards becoming financially sustainable in the future, which has allowed us to make substantial saving on the funding we provide them.
"We have already provided WLL with loan facilities to support investment in their facilities, and will continue to do what we can to assist them going forward."
West Lothian Leisure's Chief Executive Ben Lamb added: "We welcome the continued support from West Lothian Council, which allows us to provide essential leisure services for our local communities.
"Over the past year, we have made significant progress towards financial sustainability while ensuring high-quality facilities and services remain accessible to all.
"Our growing membership reflects the value that residents place on these services, and we'll continue working closely with the Council and our communities to deliver innovative, inclusive, and financially sustainable services that support active and healthy lifestyles across West Lothian."
