Decision

The Chief Operating Officer has decided to submit West Suffolk Council's votes on the renewal of the Newmarket BID, potentially impacting taxpayer-supported businesses in the area.

Analysis

outcome: The Chief Operating Officer has agreed for the submission of the Council's votes on the renewal of the Newmarket BID.

summary: The decision at stake is whether West Suffolk Council will submit votes on the renewal of the Newmarket BID, which could impact taxpayer-supported businesses in the area.

topline: The Chief Operating Officer has decided to submit West Suffolk Council's votes on the renewal of the Newmarket BID, potentially impacting taxpayer-supported businesses in the area.

reason_contentious: This issue could be contentious as it involves taxpayer-supported businesses potentially being affected by the decision of the ballot or improvements brought by a BID.

affected_stakeholders: ["West Suffolk Council", "Taxpayer-supported businesses in Newmarket"]

contentiousness_score: 6

political_party_relevance: There are no mentions or implications of political parties or political influence on the decision.

URL: https://democracy.westsuffolk.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=944

Decision Maker: Chief Operating Officer, Director - Operations, Leisure and Culture

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: The Constitution authorises Officers to make decisions within the scope of their responsibilities, unless it is required to be made by a Portfolio Holder or Cabinet.   West Suffolk Council owns eight properties within the Newmarket BID area, and as such, is entitled to submit votes on the future of the BID as part of the ballot. In line with this, the Chief Operating Officer, being responsible for corporate property, is using their delegated authority to exercise these votes.  

Content: The Constitution authorises Officers to make decisions within the scope of their responsibilities, unless it is required to be made by a Portfolio Holder or Cabinet.   West Suffolk Council owns eight properties within the Newmarket BID area, and as such, is entitled to submit votes on the future of the BID as part of the ballot. In line with this, the Chief Operating Officer, being responsible for corporate property, is using their delegated authority to exercise these votes.   The Chief Operating Officer has agreed for the submission of the West Suffolk Council votes on the renewal of the Newmarket BID. West Suffolk Council pay business rates in Newmarket for facilities such as retail and commercial premises, as well car parks. These, as taxpayer supported businesses, could be affected by the decision of the ballot or improvements brought by a BID, therefore it is reasonable that the Council takes this into account in its decision to vote.   This is consistent with the approach taken previously in other towns and is also in line with the Council’s strategic priority which states: “Growth in West Suffolk’s economy for the benefit of all our residents and UK plc”.  As such, the Council has an interest in actively looking at supporting businesses and improving the local economy.   The BID offers another vehicle and a voice for businesses to support partnership working in Newmarket. The Council could choose not to vote.  However, this could create the perception that it does not wish to exercise its voice as a town centre business and potentially send out mixed messages, given the support the Council has given to date.    

Date of Decision: May 21, 2025