Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Decision approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: September 3, 2024

Purpose: The Stratford Business Improvement District (BID) a not for profit organisation funded and led by local businesses based in Stratford town centre, has served notice to the Council for its intention to hold a renewal ballot for its third term in Autumn 2024. The BID’s renewal proposals are being developed with local businesses and alongside the Council. The BID is also seeking to undertake a small expansion to the BID area to include Burford Road, Cam Road and Rick Roberts Way. If both BID ballots are successful, they will run concurrently and for the same term.   Cabinet is recommended to: 1.  Authorise a renewal ballot for Stratford BID due to take place in Autumn 2024. 2.  Direct that the Returning Officer as “ballot holder” hold a ballot as required by the statutory framework noting the intention to commission Civica Election Services for this at an estimated cost of approx. £3,000. 3.  Delegate authority for the Director of Property to vote on behalf of the Council in favour of the BID proposal in the renewal ballot.  4.  Authorise the Director of Legal and Governance to complete the necessary legal agreements required for the operation of the BID Levy, Ballot and service arrangements and any other necessary matters for the proposed BID in consultation with the appropriate officers. 5.  Delegate authority to the appropriate officers to review the final Business Plan once it has been made available by the BID.  

Content: Decision   For the reasons set out in the report and its appendices Cabinet RESOLVED to Agree:   i)  That on receipt of the Stratford Business Improvement District (BID) proposal for the renewal of the proposed BID activity, the Director of Community Wealth Building be given delegated authority, in consultation with the Lead member and Corporate Director of Inclusive Economy and Housing, to: a)  Consider on behalf of the Council, 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) (veto)”; b)  Determine in consultation with the Portfolio lead for Inclusive Economy and Housing and Culture, Deputy Cabinet member for Business and Corporate Director for Inclusive Economy, Housing and Culture whether the Council should support the Stratford BID proposal through using its votes. This will be subject to a considered assessment of whether it offers value for money for the Council by supporting the Council’s strategic objectives as set out in the Building a Fairer Newham Corporate Plan and Stratford Vision. Following the assessment, the Director of Community Wealth Building will either vote for, against or abstain on behalf of the Council in the BID ballot. c)  Agree that Newham Council formally manages the ballot process in accordance with the BID regulations, including the commission of Civica Election Services to hold the ballot at an estimated cost of £3k. ii)  In the event of a successful ballot, authorise the Director of Legal and Governance to complete the necessary legal agreements required for the operation of the BID Levy, Ballot and service arrangements and any other necessary matters for the proposed BID in consultation with the appropriate officers.   Alternatives Considered   a)  The Council does not have an option not to hold the ballot as it is required to under the BID Regulations.