Issue - meetings

Preparation for an Epsom Business Improvement District (BID) is well advanced and it is envisaged that the formal ballot, required to create the mandate for its creation, will take place in the autumn.  The BID Steering Group has produced a Business Plan that defines the proposed scope and purpose of the BID. This document will inform the choice that businesses will have to make when determining whether or not they support the BID.

As a business within the BID boundary, the Borough Council will need to determine whether or not to support the BID as it will be eligible to vote in the ballot.  This report recommends that the Council votes “Yes” in the ballot.

The Borough Council also has another specific role as the Billing Authority and as-such it can veto BID proposals.  This report recommends that the Council does not exercise this veto.

Note: This item was moved up the running order with the agreement of the Committee, the Vice Chairman of the BID Steering Group being in attendance.

(Revised recommendations tabled at the meeting)

The Committee:

(1)          Noted the Draft BID Business Plan as defining the likely scope and purpose of the proposed BID;

(2)          Agreed that the Council support the proposed BID and authorised the Chief Executive to vote “Yes” in the expected forthcoming ballot on behalf of the Council.

Note: This item was moved up the running order with the agreement of the Committee, the Vice Chairman of the BID Steering Group being in attendance.

The Committee received a report that updated members on the work towards creating a Business Improvement District in Epsom and Ewell and attaching the BID Business Plan.

However, the Committee was informed that following discussions between officers and members of the BID Steering Group which had taken place since publication of the Agenda, the BID ballot was likely to be delayed. Further discussions were necessary to ensure that there was clarity as to “baseline” information on current services and clarity as to certain costs.

Whilst it was not expected that the draft BID Business Plan attached as an Annexe to the report would change significantly, it might require some slight adjustment.

Until the proper notice was given, followed by the final Business Plan, it was not proper to determine not to exercise the power of veto.  In the unlikely event it was subsequently considered that the power of veto ought to be exercised, this would be reported to a future meeting of the committee.

It was acknowledged that the timetable would be tight but Officers would do their best to try and work towards facilitating a ballot in November.

Accordingly, a set of revised recommendations were tabled at the meeting and the Committee:

(1)          Noted the Draft BID Business Plan as defining the likely scope and purpose of the proposed BID;

(2)          Agreed that the Council support the proposed BID and authorised the Chief Executive to vote “Yes” in the expected forthcoming ballot on behalf of the Council.