Decision details

The Council gave consideration to a report requesting endorsement of the Isle of Bute Business Improvement District Renewal Ballot BID Proposal and the Draft Business Plan 2026-2031, Live Bute, Love Bute, Visit Bute.

Decision

The Council –

1.     agreed the ballot request, the Isle of Bute Business Improvement District Renewal Ballot BID Proposal at Appendix 1 and the Isle of Bute BID Draft Business Plan 2026-2031, Live Bute, Love Bute, Visit Bute at Appendix 2;

2.     agreed to instruct the Returning Officer to conduct a ballot over 42 days in 2026 from 30^th July to Thursday 10^th September (the ballot day);  

3.     authorised the Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth to cast the votes on behalf of Argyll and Bute Council in favour of the BID; 

4.     agreed that the Council would charge £9,445.48 (incl. VAT) per annum, to the Isle of Bute BID for administering the levy charge to businesses, with charges thereafter increased annually. The first increase would apply on 15th April 2027 and annually thereafter for the subsequent term of the BID; 

5.     agreed, if the Isle of Bute BID was successful in the ballot, that the Council would pay an estimated £12,400 per annum in levy contributions for council properties on the Isle of Bute; and

6.     noted that if the BID was successful in the renewal ballot, two representatives from the Council would be appointed to the Isle of Bute BID Board, one elected member to serve as a Board Director and one officer to attend Board meetings as a non-voting observer.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth dated 1 May 2026, submitted)