Issue - meetings

To consider a report which provides information on BIDs; the emerging draft Crewe BID proposal; sets out the anticipated implications of the notification; and seeks decisions enabling officers to respond appropriately to the notification.

The Committee considered a report on the emerging draft Crewe BID proposal and the anticipated implications of the notification. The report outlined the actions officers needed to take in response to the emerging BID proposal, and the anticipated resource implications for the Council. It sought a decision on any charges to be made by the Council associated with the BID development, ballot, and levy collection.

It was intended that a later report on the merits of the BID proposal would be submitted to the Economy and Growth Committee.

RESOLVED (unanimously)

That the Committee approves that

1.    the Executive Director of Place shall notify the BID proposer of the Council’s intention to seek to recoup the costs to the Council arising from BID development and levy collection, and any other associated costs allowable under the Business Improvement Districts (England) Regulations 2004;

2.    on receipt of the Crewe Business Improvement District (BID) final proposal:

(a)  the Chief Executive as Returning Officer and “Ballot Holder” shall check the BID proposal against the requirements set out in the BID Regulations, and subject to the BID proposal meeting the necessary requirements, shall make all necessary arrangements for the Crewe BID proposal ballot to take place, and for the results of the ballot to be counted and declared on behalf of the BID proposer; and

(b)  the Executive Director for Place shall take a further report to the Economy and Growth Committee outlining the detail of the final BID proposal and seeking any necessary further authority to respond;

3.    subject to a “yes” vote at ballot, the Executive Director for Place shall ensure a final review of the BID proposal is undertaken and shall determine whether there is any cause to veto the proposals having regard to all relevant matters as prescribed by the BID Regulations; and following that determination shall either confirm that the Council will not veto the BID proposals or serve a notice to exercise a veto; and

4.    subject to a “yes” vote at ballot, and the Executive Director of Place confirming that the Council will not veto the BID proposals:

(a)  The Council’s Monitoring Officer shall make necessary arrangements for the completion and updating of such legal agreements as he considers necessary to facilitate the BID, including agreements ensuring clarity around baseline service levels within the BID area, and clarity of arrangements for collection and management of the BID levy; and

(b)  The Council as billing authority shall make necessary arrangements for billing, collection and enforcement of the BID levy, and its transfer to the body responsible for the Crewe BID.