Decision details

Purpose of Report: To seek support and approval from the Executive Member for the York Business Improvement District (BID) renewal ballot to take place in November 2020. This will allow local businesses to vote on whether they wish to continue with the BID for a second five year term.

The Executive Member will be asked to:
• Support the City Centre BID and its work
• Confirm that the Executive Member is satisfied that the York BID proposals are not in conflict with any existing Council Policy
• Approve the Baseline Service Agreements which provide a legal commitment by the Council to maintain provision of relevant services in the BID area
• Approve arrangements proceed to allow the Council to operate the ballot and act as the collection agent for the levy
• Note the stages and timescales required to implement the decision as outlined in these recommendations.
• Agree that a report on the BID renewal can be presented to the Executive for their agreement and sign off

Resolved:

                      i.         That the Executive Member expresses support for the York BID and its work;

                     ii.         That the stages and timescales required to implement the decision as outlined in these recommendations be noted;

                    iii.        That a further report may be taken to Executive in Spring 2020 detailing the BID Prospectus, Service Level Agreements and role of Make It York;

                   iv.        That the discussions on arrangements to operate the ballot and for the Council to act as the collection agent for the levy be noted;

                     v.        That the exploration of additional recompense from the BID for work carried out by the Council, is supported by the Executive Member.

Reason:     To allow the work of the BID and its partners to boost the City Centre economy, ease difficult trading conditions for retailers and to provide every opportunity to help York thrive