Rye Town Hall was packed on Monday 26 January as councillors enthusiastically supported plans for a Business Improvement District (BID) in Rye.
Voting for the Rye BID continues until 12 February. Around 290 of the town’s shops, pubs, restaurants and businesses are being balloted on the controversial new levy which could raise over £90,000 for town centre upgrades and tourist promotion each year.
The council decided to use its two votes, based on its two rateable addresses – the town hall and The Strand public conveniences, to support the proposals.
Ahead of the councillors’ discussion members of the public spoke. Matt Breckon, managing director of Rye Kino and chair of the Rye Bid Task Group, said, “This is a significant opportunity to invest in Rye in the face of local government reorganisation. Rye is in danger of losing its voice.”
“Sadly misinformation continues to be spread about the plan,” he said. “Most business are quietly supportive.” He explained how the team behind the proposals was made up of large and small businesses across the town centre.
The Rye BID has caused considerable controversy with some firms fearing what they see as another tax they will be forced to pay, however very few representatives of the businesses thought to be opposed to the plans took the opportunity to speak at the town hall meeting.
Concerns were raised about how the vote could favour Rye’s big businesses. “Is it democratic? There’s a big mismatch between numbers of people and rateable value,” said Dr Andrew Bamji.
For the BID to be approved the ballot has to be won by both a majority of yes votes and a majority of the businesses rateable values, the meeting heard. “That’s the check and balance in the voting to give small and large businesses parity,” explained Sarah Broadbent from the Rye BID Task Group.
Questions were also asked about the work the Rye BID would do. “Who will do it and will it put out to tender?” asked Jenny Granger, referring to the plans for tourist marketing and campaigns. A formal procurement process was confirmed, with multiple quotes.
Following the public discussion, councillors debated the proposals with several noting how the money raised by Rye BID would stay in Rye.
“We have huge change coming,” said Councillor Fiddimore, referring to the local government reorganisation that could see Rye Town Council take on more responsibility. “If things come back to Rye, we will be expected to pay for it which means for me BID is a winner. But what happens if people don’t pay?”
“It’s the same as when people don’t pay their business rate,” explained Sue McGeown, From Mosaic Partnership – advisors to Rye BID. “Collection will be the responsibility of Rother District Council.”
“The opportunities outweigh the issues,” said Councillor Creaser. “If we don’t have Rye BID the Rye precept will need to be raised,” she said referring to the Rye part of the council tax. “I understand how small businesses feel, but we should go for it.”
“I was against it,” said Councillor Rivett. “But I’ve been swayed by the arguments in favour. Rye money raised in Rye stays in Rye.”
With two councillors recusing themselves from the discussion, the decision to use Rye Town Council’s two votes in favour of the Rye BID was passed by eleven votes to one, with two abstentions.
The postal ballot is being organised by Civica who provide election services for Rother District Council. The Rye BID will be discussed by the Council’s Cabinet on Monday 2 February.
Image Credits: Natasha Robinson .