Issue - meetings

Option 1: Do nothing (Put off decision until the production of Final Renewal Proposals)

 Advantages: No advantages.

Disadvantages: Creates uncertainty for Lancaster BID. Creates difficulties for Lancaster BID in developing its pre-ballot canvassing strategy and marketing/publishing activities around the BID Renewal Proposals.

Risks: Due to the impact of Covid-19 this is Cabinet is the last date proposals can formally be endorsed for February ballot to be comfortably enacted under statutory notifications. If there are issues with Renewal Proposal compliance at this stage a ballot could be delayed with knock on implications for Lancaster BID in terms of canvassing and for the council in terms of dealing with operational matters in the new year arising from a late ‘Yes’ ballot.

 Option 2: Endorse the draft BID Renewal Proposals with endorsement of final BID Renewal Proposals delegated to the Chief Executive.

Advantages: Timely notice that the proposals are technically sound and the final document is likely to be compatible with BID Regulations and council policy. Allows for minor and/or non-material technical amendments via officer scrutiny of final Renewal Proposals document. Allows Lancaster BID to continue to develop its pre-election canvassing strategy and marketing/publishing activities around the BID Renewal Proposals with confidence.

Disadvantages: No disadvantages identified.

Risks: No guarantee that BID Renewal Ballot will be successful.

Option 3: Request material amendments to the draft Renewal Proposal for consideration/ endorsement at a future Cabinet meeting.

Advantages: This would only be if it was considered (based on the draft), a Final Renewal Proposal would be vetoed because matters contained conflict with council policy and extensive material changes are required. Allows for revised proposals to come forward which are compatible with council policy and regulatory requirements.

 Disadvantages: Reputational implications for council if proposals are not endorsed without good reason. Potential delays Lancaster BID’s commitment to pre-ballot canvassing strategy and marketing/publishing activities around the BID Renewal Proposals.

Risks: If there are issues with compatibility with the council’s policy framework the onus would be on Lancaster BID to address any issues and prepare a technically/policy compatible Final Renewal Proposal. Risks are as Option 1 in that this Cabinet is, realistically, the last date proposals can formally be endorsed by Cabinet for a ballot to be enacted under the current statutory notification timetable.