Minute 603 (Cabinet Book 1 – Agenda Item 14 refers)

Referred direct by Cabinet

The Committee considered Minute 603 of the meeting of Cabinet held on 10th January 2017, which had been referred direct to Scrutiny by Cabinet, together with the report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) providing an update on the success of the Southend Business Improvement District (BID) since its launch in April 2013, and the requirements in relation to the undertaking of a renewal ballot of Southend town centre and central seafront businesses to extend the Southend BID for another five year term.

Resolved:-

That the following decisions of Cabinet be noted:

“1.  That the progress and impact of the BID in Southend’s town centre and central seafront area, be noted.

2.  That the Deputy Chief Executive (Place), in consultation with the Executive Councillor for Culture, Tourism and the Economy, be authorised to:-

- 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

- Determine whether the Council should support the BID proposal 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

- Formally manage the ballot process in accordance with BID regulations

- 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, the costs of the ballot be recovered from the BID Company as per the BID regulations.

- Review and update the Operating Agreement, as required, that details the billing, collection and enforcement provisions as well as the arrangements for transmitting the BID receipts to the BID in consultation with the Director of Finance and Resources.

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

Note:- This is an Executive Function

Executive Councillor:- Holland

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place)

The Cabinet considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) providing an update on the success of the Southend Business Improvement District (BID) since its launch in April 2013, and the requirements in relation to the undertaking of a renewal ballot of Southend town centre and central seafront businesses to extend the Southend BID for another five year term.

In noting the positive impact the BID had made in the town centre and seafront areas, Members acknowledged the benefits that could be derived from the establishment of BIDs in other areas of the Borough.

Resolved:-

1.    That the progress and impact of the BID in Southend’s town centre and central seafront area, be noted.

2.    That the Deputy Chief Executive (Place), in consultation with the Executive Councillor for Culture, Tourism and the Economy, be authorised to:-

-       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

-       Determine whether the Council should support the BID proposal 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

-       Formally manage the ballot process in accordance with BID regulations

-       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, the costs of the ballot be recovered from the BID Company as per the BID regulations.

-       Review and update the Operating Agreement, as required, that details the billing, collection and enforcement provisions as well as the arrangements for transmitting the BID receipts to the BID in consultation with the Director of Finance and Resources.

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

Reason for Decision

1.    The Southend BID company has leveraged funding from businesses in the BID area which wouldn’t otherwise have been available to invest in the town. Paragraph 3.4 to the submitted report provides an overview of the impact the BID has made in the town 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 town and could not have been delivered under the previous Town Centre Partnership/Management arrangement.

2.    A second term is subject to a positive outcome from the business ballot and therefore the decision to progress is one that is led by the business community to meet their needs and is recognised as good practice by Government.

Other Options

None

Note:- This is an Executive Function

Referred direct to Place Scrutiny Committee

Executive Councillor:- Holland