Issue - meetings

The report seeks the approval from the Executive Member for the renewal ballot for the York Business Improvement District (BID). If agreed, this will take place in November 2020 and will allow eligible businesses to vote on whether they wish to support a second five year term for the BID, beginning in April 2021.

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

The Executive Member considered a report asking him to support and approve the renewal ballot for the York Business Improvement District (BID). Officers outlined the process for moving forward in the BID process and that it shall be the BID’s second term. They highlighted that City of York Council are seeking additional recompense from the BID for work undertaken by City of York Council on behalf of the BID. Including collection of the Levy, enforcement work, and work on keeping databases up to date.

The Executive Member confirmed his appreciation for the work the BID has done. He noted that notwithstanding the huge debate about the high street and business rates, that the pressures to maintaining the Public Realm would have been challenging without the BID.

Officers confirmed that the BID process is following a national mechanism as outlined from an act of parliament.

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.