The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Adults and Communities) presenting an update on the success of the Southend Business Improvement District (BID) since its launch in April 2013 and re-ballot in 2017 and sought agreement to provide the support required for a renewal ballot of Southend City Centre businesses for a further five-year term of the Southend BID.

Resolved:

1. That the progress and impact of the BID be noted.

2. That the Director of Culture and Tourism, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Public Protection, be given delegated authority to: -

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i. Consider on behalf of the Council as billing authority, whether the proposal conflicts with any formally adopted policy of the Council, and, if it does, give notice of this in accordance with the BID regulations.

ii. Determine whether the Council should support the BID’s proposal decided by the majority of BID Directors and businesses and if so, to vote yes on its behalf in the BID ballot. If a ‘no’ vote is proposed, this will be referred to Cabinet for further consideration.

iii. Formally manage the ballot process in accordance with BID regulations.

iv. That subject to a ‘yes’ vote at ballot by the relevant BID business community, the

Council as relevant local billing authority will manage the billing and collection of the additional levy, and its transfer to the BID company. In the event of a ‘no’ vote, that the costs of the ballot be recovered from the BID Company as per the BID regulations.

v. Review and update the Operating Agreement, as required, which details the billing, collection and enforcement provisions as well as the arrangements for transmitting the BID receipts to the BID in consultation with the Executive Director (Finance and Resources).

vi. Enter into a revised service level agreement with the BID company regarding the operation of the BID and delivery of Council requirements and baselines.

Other Options:

There are certain functions within the BID ballot process which can only be undertaken by the local authority. Therefore, if the Council is to support a third term of the BID it must be willing to undertake these activities.

Reasons for Decision:

The Southend BID company has leveraged funding from businesses in the BID area which wouldn’t otherwise have been available to invest in the city centre.   The report sets out the impact the BID has made in the city centre and central seafront area funded through the levy and additional contributions.

These interventions and value adding activities have been to the benefit of the area and could not have been delivered under the previous Town Centre Partnership / Management arrangement.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: Place Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Terry