An amended Business Improvement District map is attached to the Cabinet supplement which supersedes the map circulated with the original agenda.

Councillor Pat Hackett introduced a report by the Strategic Director – Regeneration and Environment which informed that, in March 2011, the Government had announced a £10m package of measures to support empty properties on high streets and to provide resources for those areas specifically affected by the riots of August 2011.  The Council was one of 100 local authorities that had been allocated £100,000 grant funding to support those areas that had been affected by the disturbances. 

The report sought Cabinet approval to the allocation of the £100,000 High Street Innovation Fund (HSIF) to the Wirral Chamber of Commerce to draw up proposals for the establishment of a potential Birkenhead Business Improvement District (BID).

Wirral Chamber of Commerce had been suggested as the body to take forward the BID proposal because it already operated shop watch and pub watch in the area and was, therefore, more likely to secure business engagement.  The Cabinet noted that a BID Steering Group would be set up to manage the activities of the BID on a day-to-day basis and it was being asked to nominate a local Ward Councillor as the local authority BID Steering Group Member and to agree that the Strategic Director for Regeneration and Environment could act in the capacity of strategic advisor for matters relating to the Council’s business.

Attached to the report at Appendix 1 and 2 were Birkenhead Business Improvement District Zone 1 Maps.

RESOLVED: That

(1)  the use of the HSIF monies (£100,000) to support the Wirral Chamber of Commerce to draw up proposals relating to the establishment of a Birkenhead BID, as described within the report be agreed;

(2)  the Head of Legal and Member Services be authorised to agree and enter into a grant funding agreement between the Council and the Wirral Chamber of Commerce; and

(3)  the Strategic Director - Regeneration and Environment and Councillor Brian Kenny be nominated as the local authority BID Steering Group Members. 

Councillor Ann McLachlan vacated the Chair.

Councillor Phil Davies in the Chair.