Decision

Purpose of report

Cabinet considered a proposal from Plymouth Waterfront Partnership for a renewed Waterfront Business Improvement District for the period 2027–2032, and the Council's continued role in supporting the BID and its delivery.

Decision

Cabinet:

1. noted the draft Plymouth Waterfront BID4 Plan for 2027 to 2033 and supported in principle the continuation of the Plymouth Waterfront Improvement District, recognising that the final decision rests with eligible businesses through the statutory ballot process.
2. approved the City Council's financial contributions as set out in the report in relation to the ballot and BID levy, and to demonstrate its continued commitment to the Plymouth Waterfront BID through the proposed BID Concordat and Contract for the provision of services within the Plymouth Waterfront Business Improvement District area.
3. authorised the Chief Executive as Ballot Holder to make all necessary arrangements for the conduct of the BID renewal ballot of appropriate businesses within the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership Waterfront Business Improvement District area.
4. authorised the Strategic Director for Growth the right to vote on behalf of the City Council's hereditaments in the BID area, having regard to the Council's economic, regeneration and financial interests and following consultation with the relevant Cabinet Member.
5. authorised the Strategic Director for Growth to finalise and approve the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership Waterfront Business Improvement District Operating Agreement (including Concordat, Service Level Agreements and BID Proposal Business Plan), provided it accords with the general principles set out in the report.
6. delegated the power to veto the BID Proposal to the Strategic Director for Growth.

Reasons for decision

1. To confirm the partnership approach to the Business Improvement District and to continue with a framework for service improvement mechanisms within the Business Improvement District area.
2. To enable Plymouth Waterfront Partnership Ltd to implement the Business Plan 2027 to 2032.
3. To enable a ballot in the Business Improvement District area to be conducted in accordance with Regulation 7 of the Business Improvement District (England) Regulations 2004.
4. To discharge the City Council's responsibilities in relation to the ballot as an occupier within the BID area in a timely manner consistent with the BID ballot programme, and to achieve the City Council's wider economic and regeneration objectives for the Waterfront.
5. To allow the BID Operating Agreement to be formally signed by both parties after the ballot and in advance of the formal commencement of the new BID for the period 2027 to 2032.
6. In accordance with section 51 of the Local Government Act 2003, the billing authority has the power of veto.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Progress Waterfront management through a different vehicle. This was rejected because establishing a new vehicle would be costly and would duplicate an existing initiative without clear additionality.

Replace the PWP BID through a voluntary approach. This was rejected because income and levels of commitment would be likely to fluctuate and reduce significantly through differential contributions from different businesses, creating tension across the business community and uncertainty over future investment, which would impact deliverability.

Delay the proposed ballot. This was rejected because it would result in a failure to meet the statutory five-year deadline for renewal of the BID, and the likely loss of key PWP staff given a lack of continuity of income, damaging PWP's capacity to deliver.

Declarations of interest

None declared in respect of this item.