Decision details

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet

1.    Notes and acknowledges the work of the BID in its first term, supports the proposal to extend the BID for a further five years from 1st October 2022 to 30th October 2022 and endorses the Uxbridge BID 2022-2027 BID Business Plan attached as Appendix 1;

2.    Agrees the Council’s annual levy contribution to the BID for the period of 2022 – 2027 as set out in the report;

3.    Agrees to the Council administering the 2022 Bid Ballot under the independent auspices of Democratic Services;

4.    Authorise the Leader of the Council, on behalf of the London Borough of Hillingdon, to vote in the BID ballot in respect of each of the Council's eligible rateable hereditaments.

5.    Delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Place, in conjunction with the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Environment, Housing and Regeneration, to make any further necessary decisions required and to agree the Baseline agreement and the Operating agreement, noting that these agreements are to be in place before Uxbridge BID commences its second five-year term.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet endorsed and supported for the proposal for a second five-year term of the Uxbridge Business Improvement District, along with other necessary decisions to give effect to it, including operation of the independent ballot and the Council’s vote.

Cabinet welcomed the role of the BID, which since 2017, had helped enhanced the town centre of Uxbridge, delivering environmental improvements such as floral displays, making the Town welcoming and safe with security ambassadors and recent efforts to increase footfall following the pandemic.

The Cabinet Member for Environment, Housing & Regeneration noted that the BID was financed by a levy on businesses and had an overall aim of making Uxbridge a better place to live, work and socialise and outlined the themes for the next 5 years.

The Leader of the Council welcomed the work of the BID and on behalf of the Council wished it success.

The Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and Transformation outlined the importance of local businesses in fully embracing the benefits of the BID in order to make Uxbridge a thriving town centre and economic powerhouse.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided not to support the recommendations for a further five-year BID term.