To consider the submitted report on a proposal to develop a tourism business improvement district.

The Council considered the submitted report setting out a proposal to identify alternative funding models for supporting tourism activity through the development of a Torbay Retail and Tourism Business Improvement District (TRTBID).  The proposed TRTBID would combine both retail and tourism which was considered to have the greatest marketing impact.

It was proposed by the Mayor and seconded by Councillor McPhail:

(i)         to allocate up to £100,000 from Torbay Council budgets, over a two year period (2014/15 and 2015/16) to develop the TRTBID to reach the ballot expected in autumn 2015;  and

(ii)        the Council endorses the proposed representation and function of the TRTBID Task Group to take forward the development and consultation stage of the TRTBID project.

An amendment was proposed by Councillor Stringer and seconded by Councillor Pountney:

(i)        Of the £100,000, the Council shall allocate £25,000 to the English Riviera Tourism Company and £25,000 to the Torbay Town Centres Company, to facilitate all three organisations to commission the TRTBID in partnership.

In accordance with Standing Order A19.4, a recorded vote was taken on the amendment.  The voting was taken by roll call as follows:  For:  Councillors Baldrey, Bent, Brooksbank, Cowell, Davies, Doggett, Ellery, Faulkner (A), Faulkner (J), James, Lewis, Morey, Pentney, Pountney, Stocks, Stockman, Stringer, Thomas (D), Thomas (J) and Tyerman (20);  Against:  The Mayor, Councillors Addis, Amil, Barnby, Excell, Hill, Hytche, McPhail, Mills and Pritchard (10);  Abstain:  Councillor Parrott (1);  Absent:  Councillors Butt, Darling, Hernandez, Kingscote, Richards and Scouler (6).  Therefore, the amendment was declared carried.

The substantive motion (the original motion with the additional wording for (i)) was then before Members for consideration.

On being put to the vote, the substantive motion was declared carried.