Freedom of Information Requests

Was the 2024 BID renewal ballot legitimate? Asks for the full vote breakdown by number and rateable value, how Sefton Council voted using its own properties within the BID area, and critically whether the ballot result would have passed either threshold without the council's own votes.

Who was engaged to advise on or administer the 2024 BID ballot, and how much were they paid? The ballot process should be independently administered. This request identifies who held that role and at what cost to public funds.

A request for the full cost and contractor details for Lord Street lighting installations funded through public or BID budgets. Part of our ongoing audit of how public money flows through Southport's town centre infrastructure.

A full list of Sefton Council-owned properties within the BID levy area, their rateable values, and how the council voted in the 2024 ballot for each. The council is simultaneously the ballot administrator, a levy payer, and has a director on the BID board.

Southport received Town Deal funding. This request asks for all declarations of interest made by Town Deal board members at any meeting where funding allocation was discussed. Part of a wider examination of how public regeneration money flows through connected interests.

The formal contract or operating agreement between Sefton Council and Southport BID that governs how the compulsory levy is collected and how the BID operates within the council's jurisdiction. The terms of this agreement define the accountability framework for every BID activity.

A line-by-line breakdown of how the BID Acceleration Grant was spent. Who received funds, for what purpose, and what procurement process was followed. Public money should have a public audit trail.