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BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS WORKING GROUP PAPER 04/03
SCOPING PAPER FOR MEETING ON 17 AUGUST 2004

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Outcome

1. The aim of this paper is to provide a basis for discussion of the remit of the Group, its timetable, the plan for taking the work forward, and suitable working methods in order to ensure all proposals are thoroughly explored.

Remit

2. Ministers have decided that the BIDWG should have the following remit:

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• draft guidance document on BIDs for consultation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

3. The Group will wish to discuss the remit and how it is to be interpreted so that all members have a clear idea of what issues the Group will be exploring during its initial lifespan.

Lifespan, frequency of meetings, and working methods

4. Ministers have decided that the Group should have an initial lifespan up to March 2005. The Group is tasked with producing a set of proposals for Ministerial consideration at the end of this period.

5. In light of the issues which the Group will need to tackle, members will wish to consider how often they would like to meet in this period. Assuming that a certain degree of work can be carried out by e-mail, we suggest that it may be sufficient for the Group to meet approximately every 2 months. As stated above we envisage work being done by e-mail if members are agreeable. There may be scope for establishing a sub-Group to take forward a particular piece of work.

6. The Group secretariat will be responsible for tabling and compiling papers. Contributions will be welcomed from members on the various topics raised.

7. Although membership of the Group has been kept relatively small, the Group will wish to consider how it would wish to consult, and/or gather relevant information from other bodies and how best that might be done, for example through a website or through inviting views from key bodies. The Group will wish to consider which bodies/individuals could make a useful contribution to the Group's thinking.

Links with other working Groups

8. There is a need to ensure that the work of the Group links in with the work of Regeneration Groups due to the assistance BID projects can provide in regenerating run-down areas in Scotland's towns and cities. This can be done by disseminating information to relevant bodies, and placing all BIDWG papers on the Scottish Executive website. Views would be welcomed on relevant bodies to which papers should be sent direct, and the best ways of disseminating information to ensure all relevant interests are aware of the work of the Group.

Summary

9. The main points on which we would welcome the Group's views are:

• Interpretation of remit
• Frequency of the BIDWG meetings
• Consultation and information sharing methods
• Which bodies to consult

SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE
Local Government Constitution and Finance Division
August 2004