Decision details

Matter for Decision

Cambridge BID’s (Business Improvement District) second consecutive five-year term concludes on 31^st March 2023.    Cambridge BID is seeking a third five-year term, to run from 1^st April 2023 to 31^st March 2028, which will be determined by a legally required ballot of non-domestic rate payers within the BID area, to take place between 14^th October and 10^th November 2022.

Decision of the Leader of the Council (as the Executive Councillor for Recovery, Employment and Community Safety was attending virtually)

To exercise the Council’s voting entitlement in the forthcoming Cambridge BID third term ballot.

To support Cambridge BID’s third term ballot.

Reason for the Decision

As set out in the Officer’s report.

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not applicable.

Scrutiny Considerations

The Head of Environmental Services introduced the report and Ian Sandison, CEO of the BID attended the meeting to answer questions.

Councillor Payne proposed that the decision be deferred until the next meeting (and after the business plan launch) which was still before the ballot commenced.  The Committee rejected the amendment by 5 against 3 in favour and 1 abstention with the Chair casting their vote against the amendment.  The Committee endorsed the recommendation by 5 votes to 3.

Cllr Gilderdale would meet with Cllr Payne and the Head of Service for an update on this item if it was considered appropriate taking account of Members’ comments during the debate.  Cllr Gilderdale also requested a report on the Purple Flag scheme in due course.

The Leader of the Council approved the recommendation.

Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Executive Councillor (and any Dispensations Granted)

No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive Councillor.