Purpose

This report asks Cabinet to
consider the proposals put forward by Purley Business Improvement
District (BID) and agree recommendations that will enable a BID
Ballot to take place for affected businesses in the proposed BID
area.
 

Content

For the reasons set out in the
report and its appendices, Executive Mayor Jason Perry RESOLVED
to:
 
1.1        
Agree that following receipt of the Purley Business
Improvement District (BID) agreed proposal for the renewal of the
proposed BID activity, Corporate Director of Sustainable
Communities, Regeneration and Economic Recovery in consultation
with the Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration be given
delegated authority to;
 
1.2        
To Consider on behalf of the Council as billing
authority, whether the proposal conflicts with any formal adopted
policy of the Council and, if it does, give notice of this in
accordance with the Business Improvement Districts (England)
Regulations 2004 (“the BID regulations)
 
1.3        
Determine whether the Council should support the
Purley BID proposal and to vote on its behalf in the BID ballot. If
a ‘no’ vote is proposed, this will be referred to
Executive Mayor Jason Perry for further consideration;
 
1.4        
Agree that the Council formally make arrangements for conducting a BID ballot in
accordance with the BID regulations through the Council’s
electoral services team (with the ballot day scheduled for Thursday
11th December 2025)
 
1.5        
To consider, in accordance with Regulation 10 of the
Business Improvement Districts (England) Regulations 2004, where
fewer than 20% of those entitled to vote have voted in favour of
the BID proposal and the proposal is not approved, or the Secretary
of State issues a notice under Regulation 9(11), the Council may
require the BID Proposer or BID Company to pay the full costs of
arranging and holding the ballot. All costs incurred by the Council
shall be recoverable from the BID Company.
 
1.6        
That, subject to a “yes” vote at
ballot:
 
A.             
The Council will act as the relevant billing
authority and will manage the billing and collection of the
additional levy, and its transfer to Purley BID;
B.             
The Council meet the Council’s obligations in
paying the extra BID levy, as a non–domestic ratepayer in the
BID area, in accordance with the BID regulations over the life of
the BID
C.             
The Council enter into key operating agreements with
the Purley BID Company regarding the operation of the BID and the
delivery of Council requirements and baselines
 

Reasons for the decision

Rationale for Holding the Ballot
 
1.1        
The Council is statutorily obliged to support the
establishment of a BID once a formal BID Proposal is
received.
 
1.2        
Proceeding with a timely ballot is crucial to ensure
the continuity of successful programmes that support the
Purley’s town centre's economy and social fabric. Without a
successful renewal, Purely town centre
would lose valuable services such as winter lights, branded
banners, art projects, and potentially essential extra security and
deep cleaning that are provided in addition to Council
services.
 
1.3        
The renewal secures over £90,000 (based on
previous term investment data and the 1.5% levy rate) in
ring-fenced, private sector investment for the town centre, which
would otherwise not be available.
 
Rationale for Delegating Authority to Review
Proposals
 
1.4        
Delegation ensures the final BID Business Proposal
is formally reviewed to confirm it aligns with Croydon Council's
strategic objectives, such as supporting Good Jobs, addressing the
Climate Crisis, and Fighting Inequality, which are common
priorities across London Boroughs.
 
1.5        
Delegated authority allows for the efficient
fulfilment of the Council's responsibility to act as the largest
non-domestic ratepayer and cast a vote on behalf of its properties
within the BID area, thereby demonstrating strong partnership
support for the town's business community.
 
Rationale for Delegating Authority to Finalise
Agreements
 
1.6        
The completion of a Baseline Services Agreement and
an Operating Agreement is a statutory requirement to protect local
council services.
 
1.7        
These agreements are necessary to ensure the BID
Levy is solely used for delivering additional/complementary
services and not for funding or procuring standard services for
which the Council is already accountable.
 
1.8        
The formal agreements establish general principles
of partnership to ensure effective, complementary delivery between
the Council and the BID Company.

Alternative options considered

There are no perceived
alternative options for the Council. If the business community
chooses to pursue the legislative BID route and vote
‘yes’, then the Council is obliged to play its part in
the process. It is also obliged to fund the ballot process unless
the ballot is unsuccessful.