Erratum Notice and Revised Item 7
West Dunbartonshire Council · 14 August 2024
Back to Infrastructure, Regeneration & Economic Development Committee — 14 August 2024 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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Erratum Notice Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development Committee Date: Wednesday, 14, August 2024 Time: 10:00 Format: Hybrid meeting Contact: Email: Nicola.moorcroft@west-dunbarton.gov.uk committee.admin@west-dunbarton.gov.uk Dear Member I refer to the papers for the above meeting which were issued on 1 August 2024 and enclose a revised version of the report relating to Item 7, ‘Alexandria Business Improvement District’. This supersedes pages 13 to 18 of the original papers issued for the meeting. Please accept my apologies for any inconvenience caused. Yours faithfully PETER HESSETT Chief Executive
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Distribution:- Councillor David McBride (Chair) Councillor Jonathan McColl Councillor Michelle McGinty Councillor John Millar Councillor Lawrence O’Neill (Vice Chair) Councillor Lauren Oxley Councillor Chris Pollock Councillor Martin Rooney Councillor Gordon Scanlan Councillor Hazel Sorrell Councillor Clare Steel Councillor Sophie Traynor All other Councillors for information Chief Executive Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration Chief Officer – Roads and Neighbourhood Chief Officer – Resources Date of issue: 8 August 2024
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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL Report by Chief Officer (Regulatory & Regeneration) Infrastructure, Regeneration & Economic Development Committee 14 August 2024 Subject: Business Improvement District (BID) Proposal - Alexandria 1 Purpose 1.1 The purpose of this report is to provide information on the proposed Business Improvement District (BID) in Alexandria. It seeks Members’ authorisation to formally approve the BID Proposal. 2 Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that Committee: (i) notes that a Business Improvement District (BID) is proposed for Alexandria town centre (ii) authorises the Chief Officer for Regulatory and Regeneration to approve the BID Proposal by the statutory deadline of at least 70 days prior to the Ballot date, subject to it being compliant with the relevant Sections of the Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 (iii)notes that the BID Ballot will be scheduled for 14 November 2024 3 Background 3.1 Over recent years Alexandria Town centre, like many other small towns, has been facing challenges related to increased competition from online shopping and out of town developments. It has struggled to secure the right investment and retain sustainable level of footfall. Alexandria Town Centre Masterplan was developed by the Council in cooperation with the local community and approved by IRED Committee in September 2021. The objective of the Masterplan reflects the desire amongst the local business and community to see Alexandria prosper and become once again the Heart of the Vale. To make it happen there is a need for the local community and the local authority to work together. 3.2 Alexandria Traders Association is a self-funded group of local business which has been meeting on regular basis to discuss the challenges facing the Main Street and the town centre. It is made up of local business owners as well as local Elected Members, Central Alexandria Tenants & Residents Association (CATRA) and Vale of Leven trust (VOLT), with officers from West ITEM 7 (REVISED) Page 13
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Dunbartonshire Council also in attendance. Meetings are held every six weeks to discuss and organise initiatives around the improvement of Alexandria. The group have concluded that a continued coordinated response from all businesses is required to address the ongoing challenges, raise the profile of the town, and make it more attractive to residents and visitors. In order to create a platform for businesses to work together, the group have agreed to pursue establishment of a Business Improvement District (BID) 3.3 A Business Improvement District (BID) is a geographically defined area where businesses come together and agree to invest collectively in projects and services that the businesses identify will improve the trading environment over and above those provided by statutory authorities. The activities undertaken by the BID are funded with the money collected through the compulsory investment levy set and paid by all the property owners and property occupiers in the BID area (unless exempt in full or part). Each business liable to contribute to the project is able to vote on whether or not the BID goes ahead. 3.4 BIDs are supported by Scotland’s Improvement Districts (SID) which forms part of Scotland’s Towns Partnership and is supported by the Scottish Government. SID works with partner organisations to foster the growth of improvement districts. It is also a hub for expertise and advice which can help communities to achieve their ambitions, working democratically and collaboratively. 3.5 In November 2023 the Traders Association successfully applied for and received a £20k seedcorn grant from the Scottish Government to support the development of a Business Improvement District (BID) and subsequently a BID Steering Group has been established. 3.6 In July 2024 the BID Steering Group wrote to the Chief Executive of West Dunbartonshire Council with a notice of intent to go to Ballot. Following discussions with the Council’s Officers, it was agreed that the ballot would be undertaken on 14 November 2024 3.7 The statutory BID development timescale is as follows: Days to Ballot Action Status At least 196 days (28 Weeks) Notice of intention to put BID Proposals to ballot Completed At least 126 days (18 Weeks) BID Proposal Review by SID (non- statutory) Completed At least 98 days (14 Weeks) Submission of BID Proposals to the Local Authority and Scottish Government 70 days (10 Weeks) Last day the Local Authority can veto BID Proposals Page 14
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At least 56 days (8 Weeks) The local authority instructs the ballot holder to hold BID ballot. 42 days (6 Weeks) Issue of ballot papers to all eligible businesses within the BID area Ballot Day 4 Main Issues 4.1 The proposed BID will cover the area on Main Street from the Esso Garage at the north end to beyond Mitchell Way, and the areas along Bank Street and Mitchell Way. For a detailed map please refer to Appendix 1. 4.2 The BID Steering Group (BID Proposer) have consulted with all businesses within the proposed BID area to find out about their priorities for the town centre and raise awareness of the proposed BID and benefits it could generate for the town centre. Scottish Improvement Districts (SID) provided their support through the process and the Regeneration team facilitated liaison between the Steering Group and the relevant Local Authority Service areas. 4.3 The findings from consultation with local business owners have led to creation of the five CORE THEMES which will form the basis of BID’s Business Plan and provide a road map towards tangible, deliverable results for Alexandria. PROFILE – raise the profile of the town centre VISITORS – attract more visitors SUPPORT – support businesses and promote innovation CLEAN – make town centre clean and attractive ACCESS – improve access and visibility from the surrounding areas 4.4 The proposed BID will support and complement delivery of the actions which originate from the Alexandria Town Centre Masterplan, Some actions have already been delivered with funding from the Council and external grants (Smollett Fountain refurbishment, Christie Park improvements, Main Street property improvements), and others are at various stages of project development. BID’s focus will be on additional town centre improvements delivered through small capital investment, events and initiatives as well as marketing. The proposals include but are not limited to regular market, Halloween parade, Spring Fayre, Christmas Lights switch-on, flower basket campaign, marketing campaign in social and traditional media, signage improvements, and measures designed to support local business and encourage new investment. 4.5 There are approximately 109 commercial properties in the BID area which will generate a BID investment levy income of approximately £51,272 per annum and an estimated total levy income of £256,360 over the 5 years’ BID term. The BID improvement levy will be paid by the occupier (the eligible person liable to pay the non-domestic rate), however, the property owner will be liable to pay the levy where a property is vacant on the day the levy invoice is issued and for all the period thereafter when the property is vacant. The minimum levy Page 15
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payment will be £312 annually / £6 per week for small businesses which is believed to be affordable. A maximum payment of £5200 is proposed to be levied for businesses at the higher end of the banding. In addition the Council will provide a £10k grant from the Local Economic Development budget to support the BID’s capital projects. 4.6 Certain types of premises as listed below will be excluded from the levy payment obligation: • premises that have a rateable value of under £1,000. These premises can pay a voluntary levy and become an “associate member” should they wish, details of which are given in the BID Business Plan. • the following categories of property: non-retail charities, Police Stations and Schools. 4.7 The BID will be managed by a Board of Directors which will be established following a successful ballot. Every eligible person that pays the levy will have the opportunity to nominate themselves or someone else from within the BID area to be elected to the Company Board. The Board will include one representative from West Dunbartonshire Council and non-voting representatives from Police Scotland, Christie Park Primary School, and the Bank Street Medical Centre. Other non-voting members or local groups may be co-opted onto the Board at the Board’s discretion. 4.8 The Board plans recruit a BID Manager to ensure the efficient delivery of the projects and effective communications with the levy payers. This would be financed from the levy income. 4.9 Throughout the lifetime of the BID, all activities will be monitored by the Board to ensure that the objective of the BID Business Plan are achieved to the satisfaction of the businesses that form the BID. The Board will agree on an annual basis how funds for subsequent years will be allocated. This will be based on business feedback during the previous year and the priorities for the coming year, which allows the BID the flexibility to respond to changing business needs and requirements. 4.10 The Local Authority, on officially receiving the BID proposals has up to 70 days before the date of ballot, to decide if the authority is approving or vetoing the BID proposals. The grounds on which the Local Authority can veto the proposals are limited. The BID Proposal will also be reviewed by the Scottish Government who will provide their feedback and comments to the Local Authority. 4.11 Where a local authority has BID arrangements in place, under legislation, they must comply with them. The key Local Authority tasks and responsibilities are: • Compliance with the statutory timescales including for review, approval or veto of the BID proposals • Provision of information from non-domestic rates billing records Page 16
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• Provision of the statutory and non-statutory baseline statements (Baseline Service Agreement) • Arranging and running of BID ballot • Management, collection and enforcement of the BID Levy 5 People Implications 5.1 BID Ballot management will be outsourced to a qualified third-party organisation, with the fee paid by the BID Proposer. Limited election related activities will be undertaken by the existing Election team staff. 5.2 If the BID is established following a successful ballot, existing staff within Regeneration will continue to support the BID and provide liaison between the BID and relevant Council’s Services if required. 5.3 Levy collection will be undertaken by the existing revenue team staff, with the fee for levy collection being waved in Year 1. The Council will review this arrangement for future years. 6 Financial & Procurement Implications 6.1 The Council is a landlord for a number pf properties within the BID area. The Council will be liable for laying the BID Levy for those properties which are vacant on the day the levy invoice is issued. 6.2 The fee for collecting the levy in Year 1 will be waived. The Council will be able to charge a fee for levy collection in future years. 7 Risk Analysis 7.1 There is a risk that the BID will have insufficient finances to meet its liabilities and will have to be dissolved. 8 Environmental Sustainability 8.1 A more attractive, vibrant and economically sustainable town centre will support local living and contribute towards delivery of wider sustainability goals and the Council’s Climate Change Strategy 9 Equalities Impact Assessment 9.1 An Equalities Impact Assessment has been undertaken. 9.2 Potential positive impacts in terms of age for younger and older people and health, as well as economic benefits. The masterplan for the area identifies the importance of accessibility and this can be discussed among stakeholders through the board for example. The proposal has the potential to benefit the local town Centre, wider community and businesses. The impact on the businesses is minimal and levy has been established at a sustainable level. Page 17
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The impact on Council services can be absorbed within the existing resources, and cost of some of the services will be covered by BID. 11 Consultation 11.1 The BID Steering Group has undertaken consultations with the local business during the BID development process. The outcome of these consultations will be summarised in the BID Proposal and reflected in the BID Business Plan. 11.2 The following Council Services have been involved as part of the BID development process: Democratic Services, Finance, Asset Management, Legal and Economic Development. A number of other Services including Roads, Greenspace, Fleet & Waste, Communities, Housing and Planning contributed to the Baseline Services Agreement. 12 Strategic Assessment 12.1 The Council has agreed its five main strategic priorities for 2022 – 2027. The BID is consistent with the following objectives: • Our neighbourhoods are sustainable and attractive. • Our area has the infrastructure for sustainable and inclusive growth where businesses can flourish. • Our residents are engaged and empowered. Alan Douglas Chief Officer - Regulatory &Regeneration 14 August 2024 ________________________________________________________________ Person to Contact: Gillian McNamara Appendices: Appendix One: BID Map Appendix Two: Equalities Impact Assessment Background Papers: None Wards Affected: Leven Page 18