URL: https://democracy.croydon.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2588

Decision Maker: Executive Mayor

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: This report asks Cabinet to consider the proposals put forward by Purley Business Improvement District (BID) and agree recommendations that will enable a BID Ballot to take place for affected businesses in the proposed BID area.  

Content: This report asks Cabinet to consider the proposals put forward by Purley Business Improvement District (BID) and agree recommendations that will enable a BID Ballot to take place for affected businesses in the proposed BID area.   For the reasons set out in the report and its appendices, Executive Mayor Jason Perry RESOLVED to:   1.1         Agree that following receipt of the Purley Business Improvement District (BID) agreed proposal for the renewal of the proposed BID activity, Corporate Director of Sustainable Communities, Regeneration and Economic Recovery in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration be given delegated authority to;   1.2         To Consider on behalf of the Council as billing authority, 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)   1.3         Determine whether the Council should support the Purley BID proposal and to vote on its behalf in the BID ballot. If a ‘no’ vote is proposed, this will be referred to Executive Mayor Jason Perry for further consideration;   1.4         Agree that the Council formally make arrangements for conducting a BID ballot in accordance with the BID regulations through the Council’s electoral services team (with the ballot day scheduled for Thursday 11th December 2025)   1.5         To consider, in accordance with Regulation 10 of the Business Improvement Districts (England) Regulations 2004, where fewer than 20% of those entitled to vote have voted in favour of the BID proposal and the proposal is not approved, or the Secretary of State issues a notice under Regulation 9(11), the Council may require the BID Proposer or BID Company to pay the full costs of arranging and holding the ballot. All costs incurred by the Council shall be recoverable from the BID Company.   1.6         That, subject to a “yes” vote at ballot:   A.              The Council will act as the relevant billing authority and will manage the billing and collection of the additional levy, and its transfer to Purley BID; B.              The Council meet the Council’s obligations in paying the extra BID levy, as a non–domestic ratepayer in the BID area, in accordance with the BID regulations over the life of the BID C.              The Council enter into key operating agreements with the Purley BID Company regarding the operation of the BID and the delivery of Council requirements and baselines   Rationale for Holding the Ballot   1.1         The Council is statutorily obliged to support the establishment of a BID once a formal BID Proposal is received.   1.2         Proceeding with a timely ballot is crucial to ensure the continuity of successful programmes that support the Purley’s town centre's economy and social fabric. Without a successful renewal, Purely town centre would lose valuable services such as winter lights, branded banners, art projects, and potentially essential extra security and deep cleaning that are provided in addition to Council services.   1.3         The renewal secures over £90,000 (based on previous term investment data and the 1.5% levy rate) in ring-fenced, private sector investment for the town centre, which would otherwise not be available.   Rationale for Delegating Authority to Review Proposals   1.4         Delegation ensures the final BID Business Proposal is formally reviewed to confirm it aligns with Croydon Council's strategic objectives, such as supporting Good Jobs, addressing the Climate Crisis, and Fighting Inequality, which are common priorities across London Boroughs.   1.5         Delegated authority allows for the efficient fulfilment of the Council's responsibility to act as the largest non-domestic ratepayer and cast a vote on behalf of its properties within the BID area, thereby demonstrating strong partnership support for the town's business community.   Rationale for Delegating Authority to Finalise Agreements   1.6         The completion of a Baseline Services Agreement and an Operating Agreement is a statutory requirement to protect local council services.   1.7         These agreements are necessary to ensure the BID Levy is solely used for delivering additional/complementary services and not for funding or procuring standard services for which the Council is already accountable.   1.8         The formal agreements establish general principles of partnership to ensure effective, complementary delivery between the Council and the BID Company. There are no perceived alternative options for the Council. If the business community chooses to pursue the legislative BID route and vote ‘yes’, then the Council is obliged to play its part in the process. It is also obliged to fund the ballot process unless the ballot is unsuccessful.  

Date of Decision: October 29, 2025