Decision Maker: Cabinet
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: Yes
Is subject to call in?: No
To enable the set up of a Tourism Levy by
endorsing ballot proposals to establish an Accommodation BID. Also
for the Council to vote in favour of the ballot as a levy payer.
Also to collect the levy and accept a voting seat on the ABID board
for its initial 5 year term
RESOLVED that: -
(a) Cabinet note the proposals for the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Accommodation BID from the ABID Shadow Board BID Proposer
(b) Delegate to the Director of Law and Governance in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Tourism to confirm that the ABID proposals do not conflict with any policy formally adopted by, and contained in a document published by, the Council.
(c) Delegate to the Chief Executive the authority to instruct the Ballot Holder to hold a BID ballot.
(d) Delegate to the Chief Operations Officer, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Tourism, the Council’s vote on the ballot, as a levy member operating the Bournemouth Beach Lodges
(e) Noting that if the ABID is approved, the Council will be responsible as the Billing Authority for collection of the BID levy in accordance with the BID arrangements.
(f) Note that the Council has been offered, and would accept a permanent voting seat on the ABID Board for the 5-year term. The Council’s voting representative to be the Leader of the Council or a deputy nominated by them
Voting: Unanimous
Portfolio Holder: Connected Communities
Reason
A successful ballot would lead to a significant step change in the levels of investment across destination, raising at least £2m a year to invest in marketing, events, placemaking and partnership activities over the course of the 5-year term of the ABID. Its purpose, to support growth in the visitor economy by targeting an increase in higher value staying visitors throughout the year.
The proposals support the Council’s plans to deliver a balanced medium term financial plan by supporting growth of the local economy with no additional costs to the Council.
Enabling the community to take forward this initiative is fully aligned to the Council’s Corporate Plan strategic aims and objectives including Place & Environment and People & Communities.
Report author: Andrew Emery
Publication date: 08/03/2024
Date of decision: 06/03/2024
Decided at meeting: 06/03/2024 - Cabinet
Accompanying Documents: