Purpose

To enable the set up of a Tourism Levy by
endorsing ballot proposals to establish an Accommodation BID. Also
for the Council to vote in favour of the ballot as a levy payer.
Also to collect the levy and accept a voting seat on the ABID board
for its initial 5 year term

Content

RESOLVED that: -

(a)           
Cabinet note the
proposals for the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Accommodation
BID from the ABID Shadow Board BID Proposer

(b)          
Delegate to the Director of Law
and Governance in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for
Tourism to confirm that the ABID proposals do not conflict with any
policy formally adopted by, and contained in a document published
by, the Council.

(c)           
Delegate to the Chief Executive the authority to
instruct the Ballot Holder to hold a BID ballot.

(d)          
Delegate to the Chief Operations Officer, in
consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Tourism, the
Council’s vote on the ballot, as a levy member operating the
Bournemouth Beach Lodges

(e)           
Noting that if the ABID is approved, the Council
will be responsible as the Billing Authority for collection of the
BID levy in accordance with the BID arrangements.

(f)            
Note that the Council has been offered, and would accept a permanent voting seat on
the ABID Board for the 5-year term. The Council’s voting
representative to be the Leader of the Council or a deputy
nominated by them
Voting: Unanimous
Portfolio Holder: Connected Communities
Reason
A successful ballot
would lead to a significant step change in the levels of investment
across destination, raising at least £2m a year to invest in
marketing, events, placemaking and partnership activities over the
course of the 5-year term of the ABID. Its purpose, to support
growth in the visitor economy by targeting an increase in higher
value staying visitors throughout the year.
The proposals
support the Council’s plans to deliver a balanced medium term
financial plan by supporting growth of the local economy with no
additional costs to the Council.
Enabling the
community to take forward this initiative is fully aligned to the
Council’s Corporate Plan strategic aims and objectives
including Place & Environment and People & Communities.