Decisions

The Saffron Walden Business Improvement District (SWBID) Steering Group, established in 2017 by the Saffron Walden Town Team is leading on the development of a potential Business Improvement District (BID) in Saffron Walden. The District Council has a role in the consideration of a BID and if established its operation.

The SWBID Steering Group recently made the decision to take its proposal for a BID to a ballot of all eligible businesses in the defined Saffron Walden BID area.

The Council has a number of responsibilities related to the BID Proposals, as outlined in the Government’s Technical Guidance for Local Authorities. These include:

In addition, the Council will receive two votes in the BID ballot.

This report relates directly to the Veto / Submission and Contents of the BID Proposals and the Council’s process for deciding on whether to vote yes or no in the BID ballot.

a)    Agreement that the content of the BID Proposals does not conflict with any existing local authority policy, nor proposes a disproportionate burden on particular businesses.

b)    Agreement that the submitted BID Proposals meet the Regulations, including details of the consultation and arrangements for financial management.

c)    Agreement that the content of the BID Proposals meet the Regulations including a description of the geographical area, a statement of baseline services and details about the BID levy etc.

d)    To note that the Council’s voting decision be undertaken by the Cabinet Member under delegated authority based on a report setting out officers’ recommended approach to the decision.

e)    To note the potential financial implications of a positive BID Ballot. The Economic Development budget will fund this contribution to the SWBID.