URL: https://committeeadmin.lancaster.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1626

Decision Maker:

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: (Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Bottoms)   Cabinet received a report from the Chief Officer Sustainable Growth to provide context and information for the endorsement of proposals for a Morecambe Business Improvement District (BID) Renewal Ballot (August 2026) as required by the national BID statutory provisions. The report updated Members on the pre- and post- ballot issues, resource and other implications in relation to the city council’s role in the BID renewal process and as a BID levy payer.   The options, options analysis, including risk assessment and officer preferred option, were set out in the report as follows:     Option 1: Do nothing. Option 2: Endorse the Morecambe BID Renewal Proposals Option 3: Request material amendments to the draft Renewal Proposal for consideration/ endorsement at a future Cabinet meeting Advantages No advantages. Timely notice that the proposals are technically sound and likely compatible with BID Regulations and council policy.   Allows for minor/non material technical amendments via scrutiny of final Renewal Proposals.   Enables Morecambe BID to continue pre election canvassing and marketing with confidence. Only appropriate if the proposals have to be vetoed due to conflict with council policy and if extensive changes are required.   Allows revised proposals to come forward that are compatible with council policy and regulatory requirements. Disadvantages Creates uncertainty for Morecambe BID.   Hinders BID’s pre-ballot canvassing and marketing activities.   Delays the ballot process. No disadvantages identified. Reputational implications for the council if proposals are not endorsed without good reason. Potential delays to BID’s pre-ballot canvassing and marketing activities. Risks If there are issues with Renewal Proposal compliance at this stage, a ballot could be delayed, impacting BID’s canvassing and the council’s operational planning.   This Cabinet meeting is the last date proposals can formally be endorsed for an August ballot under statutory notifications. No guarantee that the BID Renewal Ballot will be successful.   Ongoing consultation and officer scrutiny mitigate technical risks. If there are issues with compatibility with the council’s policy framework, Morecambe BID must address them and prepare a compliant Final Renewal Proposal.   Risks are as in Option 1 regarding statutory deadlines.     Officer preferred option and comments. The Morecambe BID proposals do not conflict with any published council polices and a successful BID will continue to actively support the council’s corporate objectives particularly in the areas of Economic Growth, Clean Green & Safe Places and Community Leadership. The work of Morecambe BID in canvassing opinion and consultation show a good level of support for the way the BID proposals have been shaped.   The amount of prior discussion between the BID proposer and the local authority before submitting the BID draft proposals to the authority has been sufficient and it is expected consultation will continue up to the submission of final proposals. The costs incurred and due in developing BID proposals, canvassing and balloting have been allowed for within the BID’s current budget.   There are no advantages in holding over on endorsement pending Final Proposals (Option 1) and officers consider there are no material alterations required (Option 3). The Preferred Option is therefore Option 2, to endorse the Morecambe BID Renewal Proposals.   It follows that an appropriate level of delegated authority is required to ensure the outstanding matters are addressed and so that Morecambe BID can move forward to ballot. As these issues are mainly technical and operational it is recommended this be undertaken through delegated decision by the Chief Executive.    It should be noted the city council will continue to be liable for the levy on the rateable property it occupies/holds should a ballot be successful (refer to Financial Implications). The city council’s eligible holding in the BID area currently amounts to £511,350 RV across 21 hereditaments. While this represents around 7% of the potential total RV in play (and 21 votes out of a potential 366) it should be noted that BID voter turnout has rarely exceeded 60% nationally, and between 30% and 40% is the norm.     The city council’s rateable property holdings, both in terms of RV and number of hereditaments, could therefore be significant in determining the ballot outcome. There is no statutory prescription on how individual local authorities treat this matter of voting. Cabinet has in the past escalated the voting decision to Full Council (who previously considered a report prior to the voting period), and officers have anticipated the continuation of this arrangement.   The Morecambe BID Renewal Proposal has been independently developed by local business, and the group has a widely recognised mandate and identity in the commercial heart of Morecambe. However, the overall voting result, and perhaps the council’s voting decision itself, depends on Morecambe BID being persuasive and clear about the planned benefits and how they will be delivered. Only if businesses and local stakeholders see true additional value in a BID will they be willing to provide their ongoing support.   Councillor Bottoms proposed, seconded by Councillor Riches:-   “That the recommendations, as set out in the report, be approved.”   Councillors then voted:-   Resolved unanimously:     (1)                     That the Renewal Proposals for Morecambe Business Improvement District (BID) Renewal Ballot are agreed as in compliance with the statutory requirements and are not in conflict with the council’s corporate policy framework.   (2)                     That Formal Endorsement of Morecambe BID Renewal Proposal policy compliance and the issue of an instruction to proceed to ballot via PIN Communications is undertaken by the Chief Executive.   (3)                     That the Operating Agreement and Baseline Agreement are revised to reflect any changes/amendments required between the parties and reflecting current council service provision respectively, with approval and post-ballot sign-off of the final documents delegated to the Chief Executive.     Officer responsible for effecting the decision:   Chief Officer Sustainable Growth   Reasons for making the decision:   The current Morecambe BID Renewal Proposal presents an opportunity for the business community to continue to deliver additional services and activity in Morecambe town centre on its own terms. The business representatives and Morecambe BID team at the heart of the proposal have worked to ensure their proposal reflects local issues and the activities proposed will have meaningful local impact.   The decision is consistent with the Council Plan:   The Morecambe BID renewal proposals are well aligned with the Council Plan 2026–28’s strategic priorities. The BID’s activities support economic growth, environmental improvements, partnership working, community wellbeing, and inclusivity.   A Sustainable District (The Climate Emergency) The Council Plan aims for Lancaster district to be net zero carbon by 2030, focusing on biodiversity and sustainable practices. The BID supports this with community safety activities, cleansing, graffiti removal, planters, and seasonal decorations that enhance the promenade and town.   An Inclusive and Prosperous Local Economy (Community Wealth Building) The Council Plan seeks to use assets and procurement for community benefit, skills, investment, and promoting Morecambe as a destination. The BID supports a diverse business mix through events, marketing, and business support, all aimed at boosting footfall and economic activity. The BID also attracts investment and works with partners like Eden Morecambe, aligning closely with the Council’s economic aims.   Healthy and Happy Communities (Increasing Wellbeing, Reducing Inequality) The Council Plan focuses on clean, safe neighbourhoods and access to arts, culture, and recreation. The BID delivers events, supports arts and culture, and improves public spaces. While not directly involved in housing, the BID’s activities help create a cleaner, safer, and more vibrant city centre.   A Co-operative, Kind and Responsible Council (Delivering Effective Services, Taking Responsibility) The Council Plan commits to partnership working and effective service delivery. The BID is governed by a board representing city centre businesses and engages in regular consultation and collaborative projects. Its partnership with the council, police, and others supports the council’s goal of co-operative and responsible service delivery.

Date of Decision: June 9, 2026