Agenda item

Report of the Leader, Councillor Rowena Hay

TheLeader began her report by saying how important Business Improvement District (BID) is for the Cheltenham economy, helping us to maintain, look after and provide entertainment, opportunities and events for businesses, residents and visitors.  The BID team has let us know that they are planning to go ahead with a renewal ballot to secure a further five years, from April 2026 to March 2031

Under the official regulations, the  council has a few key responsibilities in the process, as set out in the report, and to keep all on track, will set up monitoring group of officers, councillors, and BID representatives who will meet at least twice a year to review progress.

The report is about ensuring that the renewal process is fair, transparent and in line with our wider goals for economic growth and community development.

She ended by giving sincere thanks to Fran Inman, Chief Executive of BID, all the BID board members, and everyone who gives up their time to engage with BID. 

In response, Members wished BID success with the ballot and made the following comments:

-       BID provides massive support for businesses and the town centre, working alongside other organisations on many positive initiatives to improve the experience of businesses and residents; this is particularly welcome in view of the many challenges facing small businesses at the moment;

-       further thanks to Fran Inman, particularly for her work on NCLB initiatives, and with Gloucestershire Police on tackling anti-social behaviour and intimidation and threatening towards women and girls in the town centre;

-       it is great that BID is looking to further support independent businesses by increasing their rateable value, looking to expand to the east and west of the town,  and increasing investment;

RESOLVED THAT:

1.    it is noted that, on Monday 16 June 2025, Cheltenham BID Limited formally served notice of their intention to seek a renewal ballot for a further five-year term to both the Secretary of State and the council;

2.    it is noted that the Deputy Chief Executive, as returning officer, will engage the services of a suitable consultancy that provides election services to carry out the ballot on behalf of the council in accordance with the BID regulations;

3.    the draft Baseline and Operating Agreements between Cheltenham BID Limited and the Authority at Appendix 3 and 4 is noted;

4.    authority is delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive to review the details of the draft business plan when shared by Cheltenham BID Limited and ensure it does not conflict with any formal policy adopted by the council, providing feedback to the BID board;

5.    authority is delegated to the Director of Finance and Assets, in consultation with the Leader, to vote in favour of another BID term on behalf of the council in the ballot;

6.    authority is delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the Director: One Legal to agree and sign the Baseline Agreement and the Operating Agreement with Cheltenham BID Limited, should the ballot be in favour of renewal for another five-year term.