Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Head of Economy and Tourism.

Scrutiny Committee – Economy considered the report at its meeting on 9 June 2011 and comments will be reported.

(Report circulated)

The report of the Head of Economy and Tourism was submitted updating Members on progress towards establishing the proposed Business Improvement District (BID), and seeking Executive’s confirmation of a “yes” vote in the ballot to support the setting up of the BID.

Executive strongly supported the development of the BID for the City Centre and looked forward to the range of initiatives and improvements which the BID would deliver.  Members commented on the impressive promotion of the BID proposal and noted its aims, proposed activities and priorities within the first year.   

Executive resolved that:-

(1)        the proposed City Centre Business Improvement District and the priorities and projects as set out in the formal prospectus be supported;

(2)        the Portfolio Holder for Economy and Tourism be authorised to cast the City Council’s votes in favour of establishing the BID;

(3)        the continuation of the City Council’s contribution of £50,000 towards the costs of the City Centre Management function in collaboration with the BID Company, be confirmed in principle, subject to agreement on the final arrangements.

(4)        the Head of Treasury Services arrange for provision for funding the BID levies from existing budgets associated with each property liable for the levy.

The report of the Head of Economy and Tourism was submitted updating Members on progress towards establishing the proposed Business Improvement District (BID), and seeking Executive’s confirmation of a “yes” vote in the ballot to support the setting up of the BID.

Executive strongly supported the development of the BID for the City Centre and looked forward to the range of initiatives and improvements which the BID would deliver.  Members commented on the impressive promotion of the BID proposal and noted its aims, proposed activities and priorities within the first year.    

RESOLVED that:-

(1)        the proposed City Centre Business Improvement District and the priorities and projects as set out in the formal prospectus be supported;

(2)        the Portfolio Holder for Economy and Tourism be authorised to cast the City Council’s votes in favour of establishing the BID;

(3)        the continuation of the City Council’s contribution of £50,000 towards the costs of the City Centre Management function in collaboration with the BID Company, be confirmed in principle, subject to agreement on the final arrangements.

(4)        the Head of Treasury Services arrange for provision for funding the BID levies from existing budgets associated with each property liable for the levy.

(Report circulated)

To consider the report of the Head of Economy and Tourism – report circulated

The Head of Economy and Tourism presented a report which updated Members on progress towards establishing the proposed Business Improvement District (BID).  It also sought to establish Executive’s confirmation of a “yes” vote in the ballot to support the setting up of the BID. A draft of the Exeter City Centre BID proposal was circulated with the report.

A Member stated that it was clear that the City Council wanted a vote in favour, but he enquired if the tenants of the City Council’s business properties listed in the appendix would be eligible to vote or if a block vote mechanism would be used by the City Council.  The Head of Economy and Tourism advised that a tenant paying business rates would be entitled to a vote.  He also responded to a Member who sought more detail about the ‘purple flag’ status, which was awarded to towns and cites, whose night time economy presented a quality, clean and safe environment.

The Chair thanked officers for their hard work in bringing this project to fruition.

Scrutiny Committee – Economy supported the report and recommended that Executive approve the following:-

(1)        confirm its support for the proposed City Centre Business Improvement District and the priorities and projects as set out in the formal prospectus;

(2)        authorise the Portfolio Holder for Economy and Tourism to cast the City Council’s votes in favour of establishing the BID;

(3)        confirm that in principle the continuation of the City Council’s contribution of £50,000 towards the costs of the City Centre Management function in collaboration with the BID Company, subject to agreement on the final arrangements; and

(4)        that the Head of Treasury Services arrange for provision for funding the BID levies from existing budgets associated with each property liable for the levy.

(Report circulated)