URL: https://rother.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1960

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: To update Members on the progress of the Rye BID Ballot process and seek formal approval for the Director of Resources to cast RDC's votes.

Content: On 6 October 2025, approval was granted to proceed with the Ballot for the Rye Business Improvement Bid District (BID).  The ballot was being conducted by post, with papers dispatched on 13 January 2026, to be returned by 12 February 2026, with the count on 13 February 2026.   The Council was responsible for paying business rates on eight hereditaments (and not nine as stated in the report) within the Rye BID area, all above the £2,500 rateable value threshold.  Each eligible hereditament could cast one ballot under the 2004 BID Regulations.  The Council would therefore receive eight votes (out of approximately 295) and the report sought authority for the Director of Resources to cast all eight in favour of the BID.    The Council had received representations on behalf of concerned Rye Businesses who were against the BID and proposed levy, and the Mosaic Group and Rye Chamber of Commerce who were managing the BID process; Members considered the representations that had been made. A further late representation had been received raising similar points and had been sent on to the Mosaic Group. It was noted that Rye Town Council had also recently approved a resolution to vote in favour of the BID, in respect of its business’ premises.   If the Ballot was successful, the Council would collect the levy through the business rates service; a potential pot of over £90,000 per annum to be used to develop projects which would benefit businesses in the local area, as well as residents and visitors alike.  However, it was noted that collection could not begin on 1 April 2026 due to the need to purchase and test an additional system module required for issuing bills.   RESOLVED: That:   1)     the Director of Resources be authorised to cast the votes in support of the Rye BID in respect of the Council’s eight hereditaments; and   2)     progress of the Rye BID Ballot be noted.   (Councillor Bayliss declared an Other Registerable Interest as Board member of Rye Chamber of Commerce and in accordance with the Members’ Code of Conduct remained in the meeting for the consideration thereof.)

Date of Decision: February 2, 2026