This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Business Improvement Districts
22/04/2004
Following the outcome of the Business Improvement
Districts (BIDs) consultation, a working group involving
stakeholders from both the public and private sectors to
progress the introduction of BIDs in Scotland has been set
up.
BIDs - a partnership between a local authority and local
businesses to secure additional services in order to
improve the business environment - have proved successful
in transforming areas like Times Square in New York.
Responding to a Parliamentary Question by Christine May
MSP, Minister for Finance and Public Services Andy Kerr
said:
"The response to the BIDs consultation has been very
positive. However it is clear from the responses received
that several issues regarding BIDs require further
discussion with the various stakeholders. In order to take
this forward we are setting up a working group involving
stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.
"The Scottish Executive is committed as part of the
Partnership for a better Scotland to establish BIDs to help
promote conditions for long-term sustainable growth and to
create a Smart Successful Scotland.
"If they are developed in the right way they are a
potentially powerful tool and are relevant to all
businesses and all types of areas. They can benefit city
centres, town centres, industrial estates, business parks
and anywhere where local authorities and businesses see an
opportunity to stimulate economic growth.
"BIDs are not a new idea; they have already been
successful elsewhere. I saw for myself during my recent
trip to America for Tartan Week how effective BIDs can be.
The BID project in Georgetown, Washington, that I visited
is an excellent example of the significant benefits BIDs
can provide.
"But Business Improvement Districts will only work if
there is a true partnership between the public and private
sector. I will be looking to this working group to ensure
that solid foundations are put in place to enable us all to
take this forward with confidence."
The consultation on BIDs began on the July 3 2003 and
closed on the October 10.
The remit of the Working Group is:
To bring forward proposals on how to establish Business
Improvement Districts in Scotland, producing for
Ministerial consideration:
- recommendations on the involvement of property
owners
- recommendations on the introduction of BID pilot
projects in Scotland
- draft guidance document on BIDs for
consultation
- recommendations on the use of BIDs in rural
areas