Decision details

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hanson)

Cabinet received a report from the Director for Economic Growth & Regeneration that provided context and information for the endorsement of proposals for a Morecambe Business Improvement District (BID) Renewal Ballot (closing on 29th July 2021) as required by statutory provisions. The report updated Members on the pre- and post- ballot issues and resource implications in relation to the city council’s role in the BID renewal process. As the council was a potential levy payer, Members were asked to decide on council’s voting intention in the BID Renewal ballot – yay, nay or abstain.

The options, options analysis, including risk assessment and officer preferred option, were set out in the report as follows:

On submission of a Final Renewal Proposal the local authority is obliged to endorse the BID proposal and approve it to go forward to a ballot if it meets the defined regulatory and policy tests. The draft proposals provide a good indication of whether it is likely the council needs to use its veto powers. The draft proposals do not conflict with any published council polices and a successful BID will continue to actively support the council’s corporate priorities particularly in the areas of an Inclusive and Prosperous Local Economy and a Kind and Responsible Council and the cross-cutting themes of Community Wealth Building and Community Engagement. The work of Morecambe BID in canvassing opinion and consultation appear to show a good level of support for the way the BID proposals have been shaped. The amount of prior discussion between the BID proposer and the local authority before submitting the BID draft proposals to the authority has been sufficient and it is expected consultation will continue up to the submission of final proposals. The costs incurred and due in developing BID proposals, canvassing and balloting have been allowed for within the BID’s current budget. There are no advantages in holding over on endorsement pending Final Proposals (Option 1) and officers consider there are no material alterations required (Option 3).

The preferred Option is therefore Option 2, to endorse the draft Renewal Proposals. It follows that an appropriate level of delegated authority is required to ensure the outstanding matters are addressed and so that final proposals can be approved to move forward to ballot. As these issues are mainly technical and operational it is recommended this be undertaken through delegated decision by the Chief Executive. Members should note the city council will continue to be liable for the levy on rateable property it occupies/holds should a ballot be successful (refer to Financial Implications). As a potential levy payer, the council is eligible to vote in a ballot. There are no statutory rules on how individual local authorities treat this. The Monitoring Officer advises that authority to vote is a decision for Cabinet. Previously the council has supported the proposal for establishing and renewing BIDs in Lancaster and Morecambe.

Councillor Hanson proposed, seconded by Councillor Hamilton-Cox: -

“That the recommendations, as set out in the report, be approved.”

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1)        That the draft Renewal Proposals for Morecambe Business Improvement District (BID) Renewal Ballot be agreed as being in compliance with the statutory requirements and not in conflict with the council’s corporate policy framework.

(2)        That approval of Morecambe BID final Renewal Proposals and the issue of an instruction to proceed to ballot is delegated to the Chief Executive.

(3)        That the current Operating Agreement and Baseline Agreement be revised to reflect any changes/amendments required between the parties and current council service provision respectively, with approval and post-ballot sign-off of the final documents delegated to the Chief Executive.

(4)        That Cabinet supports a ‘yes’ vote in the forthcoming BID renewal ballot.

(5)        That the amount to be charged for administration costs by the council should be based on the same percentage of levy as applies to Lancaster BID.

Officers responsible for effecting the decision:

Chief Executive

Director for Economic Growth & Regeneration

Reasons for making the decision:

In working towards implementation of Business Improvement Districts the council will be achieving and/or reviewing and improving upon several of its Corporate Priorities 2020 Update. An Inclusive and Prosperous Local Economy through the continued support of new and existing enterprises. Kind and Responsible Council through partnership working with local businesses and organisations. The Priorities Update 2020 also contains cross cutting themes and the draft BID Renewal Proposals will actively support Community Wealth Building and Community Engagement.