Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of interest.

It was noted that the City Council is currently, and would under the prosed new arrangements remain a BID levy payer.

(a)  To agree the Minutes from the meeting held on 22 June, 2022

(b)  Any matters arising

The Minutes of the meeting held on 22 June, 2022 were agreed and signed as a true record.

There were no matters arising.

To consider whether to exclude the press and public for the item of private business for the reason shown in the report.

RESOLVED that approval be given to exclude the press and public under Section 100(A) 4 of the Local Government Act 1972 for the consideration of the private matter referred to in Minute 11 below relating to “Coventry City Centre Business Investment District (BID) – Proposal to Ballot 2023-2028” on the grounds that that item involves the likely disclosure of exempt information, as defined in Paragraph 3 of Schedule 12 A of that Act as it contains information relating to the financial and business affairs of an organisation and the amount of expenditure incurred.

Report of the Director of Business, Investment and Culture

The Cabinet Member considered a report of the Director of Business, Investment and Culture which indicated that the first Coventry BID (Business Improvement District) was established in 2005 and was one of the first BIDs in the UK. A BID is a principally business-led and business-funded body, formed with a purpose to improve a defined commercial area.  The aim of the Coventry BID is to enhance, promote, develop and boost the city centre to make it a great place to work and visit.

The first BID ran from 2005-2008. Then second BID term ran from 2008 – 2013. In a formal ballot of eligible businesses in February 2013, votes were cast in favour of the Coventry BID being renewed for another five-year period, from 1 April 2013 to 31 March 2018. Following that a further bid ballot for the fourth term was held which extended the bid period for a further five years for 2018 – 2023.  As the BID comes to the end of the term of this agreement in March 2023, a new ballot will be required whereby BID members will be given the opportunity to vote on a new BID period and to endorse the new BID proposals, including the structure, business plan and proposed budget for the period 2023 - 2028. This will be the fifth term for the Coventry BID.

The BID is currently running as a separate, independent body from Coventry City Council.

The Coventry BID Business Plan 2023-2028 aims to focus BID activity towards priority areas of:

·  Security and environment

·  Enhancing and promoting the city centre

·  Business Voice and Support.

·  Supporting businesses

·  BID Street patrol

If BID proposals for a new BID period were not approved at the proposed ballot, a number of the services planned in support of these objectives would not be considered deliverable. 

A corresponding private report detailing confidential financial matters was also submitted for consideration (Minute 11 below refers).

RESOLVED that the Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change:-

(1)  Approves the Coventry Business Improvement District (BID) proposal to ballot and timetable to ballot for a new Business Improvement District (BID) and a new agreement for the period 2023 - 2028

(2)  Approves that the Council as Billing Authority recover the cost of the BID ballot from the BID proposers where the number of persons voting in the ballot who have voted in favour of the ballot is less than 20% of the number of persons entitled to vote, and

·  the proposals are not approved in the ballot; or

·  the Secretary of State issues a notice declaring the ballot void

(3)  Approves, if voted for by the BID levy payers within the ballot, that the Council acts as the billing authority responsible for collecting the BID Levy and administering the BID Revenue Account, which shall be used towards the operation of the BID within the area of the Council.

(4)  Delegates authority to the Chief Legal Officer following consultation with the Chief Operating Officer to complete the ballot  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

There are no outstanding issues

There no outstanding issues.

There were no other items of urgent public business.

Report of the Director of Business, Investment and Culture

(Listing Officer: J Shore, email J.shore@coventry.gov.uk)

Further to Minute 8/22 above, the Cabinet Member considered a report of the Director of Business, Investment and Culture which detailed confidential financial matters in relation to the Coventry City Centre Business Investment District (BID) proposal to ballot.

RESOLVED that the Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change :-

(1)  Approves the Coventry Business Improvement District (BID) proposal to ballot and timetable to ballot for a new Business Improvement District (BID) and a new agreement for the period 2023 - 2028

(2)  Approves that the Council as Billing Authority recover the cost of the BID ballot from the BID proposers where the number of persons voting in the ballot who have voted in favour of the ballot is less than 20% of the number of persons entitled to vote, and

·  the proposals are not approved in the ballot; or

·  the Secretary of State issues a notice declaring the ballot void

(3)  Approves, if voted for by the BID levy payers within the ballot, that the Council acts as the billing authority responsible for collecting the BID Levy and administering the BID Revenue Account, which shall be used towards the operation of the BID within the area of the Council.

(4)  Delegates authority to the Chief Legal Officer following consultation with the Chief Operating Officer to complete the ballot papers on behalf of the Council

(5)  Authorises the Chief Legal Officer to complete any necessary legal agreements required for the operation of the BID Levy, Ballot and service arrangements and any other necessary matters for the proposed Coventry Business Improvement District (BID).

(6)  Approves that the Council will charge the BID for the Collection and Administrative Charges for business rates staff in collecting and administering the levy in the sum of £20,000 annually (index linked).

There were no other items of urgent private business.