Purpose

To outline the process for Stockport Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID) to carry out a ballot in October 2026.
To explain the specific role of the Council and its responsibilities in relation to the ballot and to seek the necessary authorisations to enable the ballot to take place.

Decision

The Cabinet has considered a report outlining the process for Stockport Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID) to carry out a ballot in October 2026 and explains role of the Council and its responsibilities in relation to the ballot, and has:-

(2) Delegated authority to the Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration & Skills to:-

·         On the basis of the draft Business Plan, the Council would not wish to veto the BID proposals. Note: the Council is not required to formally agree any BID proposal, rather it can only veto BID proposals if they are contrary to formally adopted and published Council policy.

·         That, subject to agreeing not to veto the final proposals, the Chief Executive is authorised as Returning Officer and “Ballot Holder” to hold a ballot for the proposed Stockport Town Centre BID 3.

·         Casts the Council’s vote in the BID Ballot.

·         In consultation with the Chief Governance Officer and Monitoring Officer, enter into a legal agreement for setting and collecting the BID Levy (Operating Agreement).

·         The Chief Governance Officer and Monitoring Officer to negotiate, sign and complete all documentation necessary to give effect to the Operating Agreement and this decision more widely, as necessary.

(2) Subject to the ballot taking place and being successful, agreed to:-

·         Allocate annual funds to cover the Council’s obligations arising from the BID levy over the life of the BID (5 years).

·         Agree to annually pass on to the BID Company the total value of the funds collected through the levy.

Alternative options considered

No alternative options have been considered as the BID Regulations (England) 2014 set out the processes and procedures for carrying out a BID Ballot and these have been followed.