Issue - meetings

Option A - To support the D BID proposition, agree to run and manage the legal processes necessary to undertake the ballot of potential levy paying businesses, agree to cast its votes in favour of the D BID proposition and set aside the funds required to pay the levy if successful.

Cllr Bacon withdrew from the meeting for this item, having declared a disclosable pecuniary interest.

The Council had been asked to support Visit Isle of Wight in preparing for a ballot for the D-Bid. There was a strict formal process to be followed, and

voting was due to take place in September/October this year. As a payer of business rates, the cost to the council would be £13,000, however it was believed to be beneficial for tourism and for the island as a destination. If the ballot was unsuccessful further research into other funding sources would be undertaken. Members were happy to support the recommendation, however they felt it would be necessary to try and raise the level of satisfaction with the D-Bid’s outputs from 60%. Dissatisfaction was attributed to a number of factors including ferry performance and roadworks throughout the island. Smaller businesses would be encouraged to take up more of the advertising offered as part of the D-Bid.

The Corporate Scrutiny Committee had supported the proposal.