Purpose

This report outlines the proposal for a new
ballot of the Sheffield Business Improvement District (BID) for a
third term.
         
The main points include the ongoing benefits of a further BID term,
its financial implications, and the expected positive outcomes for
the city.
         
The recommendations are designed to support the continued
improvement of Sheffield’s business environment and enhance
the overall quality of life for both residents and visitors
 

Content

a)

That the Council exercises its voting
entitlement in the forthcoming Sheffield BID ballot.

b)

That the Executive Director of Neighbourhood
Services completes the ballot papers on behalf of the council for
hereditaments in the council’s name.
 

c)

To note that the Executive Director of
Neighbourhood Services will vote once consultation has taken place
with the administration’s three political leaders, and the
Chair, Deputy Chair, and Group spokesperson for the Economy and
Skills Policy Committee.
 

d)

Note that the returning officer has authorised
a Ballot to be held for businesses who would be subject to the BID
levy, to run from 19 September 2025 to 16 October 2025.
 

 

Reasons for the decision

The council has ambitions for a
thriving, clean and vibrant city centre. It recognises it must work
with partners and businesses to achieve this outcome.  Currently the BID is a key partner in delivering
that outcome.
 
In choosing to exercise its
right to vote in the upcoming BID ballot the council is making an
active decision in how it wants the city centre to develop and
thrive in the future.
 
To vote in the ballot the
council must identify a suitable officer to complete the ballot.
This has been identified as the Executive Director for
Neighbourhood Services through the council constitution and scheme
of delegation.
 
The Executive Director of
Neighbourhoods should arrange appropriate consultation with the
political leadership and lead policy committee to ensure any vote
in the BID ballot is suitably informed.
 
Under the Business Improvement
District (England) Regulations 2004 the council has received a
letter of formal request from Sheffield City Centre BID Limited,
for the council to instruct a BID ballot to be held, as described
by Regulation 4 (2) (a) (ii). The council must comply with the
regulations and arrange for the ballot.

 

 

Alternative options considered

Under the Business Improvement
District (England) Regulations 2004, when a formal request is
received for a BID ballot, the Council must arrange to hold the
ballot—therefore, there is no alternative process available
for holding the ballot.
 
Alternative Option
1:
Consideration was given to the
appropriate route for the council to vote regarding its own
hereditaments, and it was determined to be an officer decision. The
Executive Director of Neighbourhood Services was deemed the
appropriate decision-maker as the relevant functions fall within
their responsibilities.