Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration

The report updates the Scrutiny Committee on the proposal to develop a Stockport Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID) and outlines the decisions facing the Council to enable a Stockport Town Centre BID ballot to be held in October 2016.

The Scrutiny Committee is requested to consider and comment on the report and proposals.

Officer Contact: Graeme Vout on 0161 474 4562 or email: graeme.vout@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Scrutiny Committee on the proposal to develop a Stockport Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID) and outlining the decisions facing the Council to enable a Stockport Town Centre BID ballot to be held in October 2016.

The Executive Councillor (Economy and Regeneration) (Councillor Kate Butler) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

The following comments were made/issuers raised:-

·         The cost of the BID had increased, but was budgeted for.

·         Concern was expressed regarding research that had indicated that large organisations did not tend to vote positively in BID ballots.

RESOLVED -  That based on the draft BID proposals and subject to a further report following receipt of the final BID proposals and business plan in July 2016, it is recommended to the Executive Councillor (Economy and Regeneration):-

·         that, on the basis of the draft proposal, the Council would not wish to veto the BID proposals.

·         that, subject to receipt of the final proposals, consideration of whether they conflict with Council policy and agreement not to veto the final proposals, the Chief Executive as Returning Officer and “Ballot Holder” agrees to hold a ballot for the proposed Stockport Town Centre BID, upon receipt of a formal request to do so by Vision Stockport.

·         that, subject to receipt of the final proposals, consideration of whether they conflict with Council policy and agreement not to veto the final proposals, the Council agrees 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.