Elgin BID scheme backed by Moray Council

MORAY Council has given its backing to a renewal ballot for a scheme which aims to improve business in Elgin's city centre.

A meeting of the policy and resources committee today approved the Elgin Business Improvement District (BID) proposal and business plan from 2020-2025.

A ballot will start in October, with businesses voting on whether to back the scheme. Ballot papers will be issued on October 16, with the final day for voting on November 27 and results revealed the day after. For the ballot to be successful, there must be at least a 25 per cent turnout.

Of those who vote, more than 50 per cent by number must vote in favour of the BID.

Moray Council owns 10 buildings within the area in which Elgin BID operates, and will have a minimum annual levy cost of £17,300 per year should it go ahead.

Elgin BID, which became operational in February 2010, describes itself as "an independent, not for profit, company which works for and with the businesses in Elgin city centre".

Chairman Richard Cummings and chief executive Gill Neill gave a presentation to councillors today, and they then agreed to back the scheme.

Councillor John Cowe (Independent, Helden and Laich) spoke highly of the scheme. He said: "I work very closely with Elgin BID and I know the effort and passion they put in.

"The vacant shop rate in Elgin has dropped by 50 per cent. That is unheard of on high streets in Scotland nowadays."

Cllr Tim Eagle (Conservative, Buckie) wanted to delay making a decision until the next committee meeting, to give himself more time to think, but his motion was defeated by eight votes to four.

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