Purpose

The Constitution authorises officers to make
decisions within the scope of their responsibilities unless it is
required to be made by a portfolio holder or Cabinet.
 
This decision is being made in line with this
principle. West Suffolk Council owns 16 properties within the Bury
St Edmunds Business Improvement District (BID) area, and as such is
entitled to submit votes on the future of the BID as part of the
ballot. As the Director (Resources and Property) is responsible for
corporate property, their authority is given to exercising the
vote.

Decision

The Director (Operations) and Director
(Resources and Property) have taken the decision to vote in favour
of the renewal of the Bury St Edmunds BID with all 16 votes. Before
making the decision, the proposal was informally considered in
detail by the Cabinet. Support has been given by all Cabinet
members.

Reasons for the decision

West Suffolk Council pays business rates in
Bury St Edmunds for facilities such as retail and commercial
premises as well car parks. These, as taxpayer supported
businesses, could be affected by the decision of the ballot or
improvements brought by a BID, therefore it is reasonable that we
take this into account in our decision to vote.
 
This is consistent with the approach we have
taken previously in other towns and is also in line with our
strategic priority which states: “Growth in West
Suffolk’s economy for the benefit of all our residents and UK
plc” As such we have an interest in actively looking at
supporting businesses and improving the local economy.
 
The BID offers another vehicle and a voice for
businesses to support partnership working in Bury St Edmunds.

Alternative options considered

The Council could choose not to vote; however,
this could create the perception that it does not wish to exercise
its voice as a town centre business and potentially send out mixed
messages given the support the Council has given to date.