Purpose

The Stratford Business Improvement District (BID) a not for profit
organisation funded and led by local businesses based in Stratford
town centre, has served notice to the Council for its intention to
hold a renewal ballot for its third term in Autumn 2024. The
BID’s renewal proposals are being developed with local
businesses and alongside the Council. The BID is also seeking to
undertake a small expansion to the BID area to include Burford Road, Cam Road and Rick Roberts Way. If
both BID ballots are successful, they will run concurrently and for
the same term.
 

Cabinet is recommended to:

1. 
Authorise a renewal ballot for Stratford BID due to
take place in Autumn 2024.

2. 
Direct that the Returning Officer as “ballot
holder” hold a ballot as required by the statutory framework
noting the intention to commission Civica Election Services for
this at an estimated cost of approx. £3,000.

3. 
Delegate authority for the Director of Property to
vote on behalf of the Council in favour of the BID proposal in the
renewal ballot. 

4. 
Authorise the Director of Legal and Governance 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.

5. 
Delegate authority to the appropriate officers to
review the final Business Plan once it has been made available by
the BID.
 

Decision

Decision
 
For the reasons set
out in the report and its appendices Cabinet RESOLVED to Agree:
 

i) 
That on receipt of the Stratford Business Improvement District
(BID) proposal for the renewal of the proposed BID activity, the
Director of Community Wealth Building be given delegated authority,
in consultation with the Lead member and Corporate Director of
Inclusive Economy and Housing, to:

a) 
Consider on behalf of the Council, whether the proposal conflicts
with any formal adopted policy of the Council and if it does, give
notice of this in accordance with the Business Improvement
Districts England) Regulations 2004 (“the BID regulations)
(veto)”;

b) 
Determine in consultation with the Portfolio lead for Inclusive
Economy and Housing and Culture, Deputy Cabinet member for Business
and Corporate Director for Inclusive Economy, Housing and Culture
whether the Council should support the Stratford BID proposal
through using its votes. This will be subject to a considered
assessment of whether it offers value for money for the Council by
supporting the Council’s strategic objectives as set out in
the Building a Fairer Newham Corporate Plan and Stratford Vision.
Following the assessment, the Director of Community Wealth Building
will either vote for, against or abstain on behalf of the Council
in the BID ballot.

c) 
Agree that Newham Council formally manages the ballot process in
accordance with the BID regulations, including the commission of
Civica Election Services to hold the ballot at an estimated cost of
£3k.

ii) 
In the event of a successful ballot, authorise the Director of
Legal and Governance 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.
 
Alternatives
Considered
 
a) 
The Council does not have an option not to hold the ballot as it is
required to under the BID Regulations.