Business Improvement Districts

There are over 300 BIDs in the UK, and growing, suggesting an increasing benefit to the local business communities where BIDs are operating. The total annual BID levy currently raised across the UK is c£110m which leverages around £175m when including investment raised from local economic partnerships and commercial activity. The typical number of businesses within a BID is 200–400.

The overall success rate for BID ballots since their inception in 2005 is over 95%.

A BID seeks to provide greater strategic context for business to galvanize the business community, statutory authorities and wider stakeholders behind a common vision for the district and generate an enhanced income stream which benefits the whole area in terms of service provision. A BID provides the business community with a united voice and the ability to influence and shape the future. It acts as a catalyst to promote wider public and private investment into projects which enhance the neighbourhood.

Governed by Government legislation and regulations, BIDs are statutorily established once voted for by the majority of businesses in an area and have a maximum term of five years before returning to their electorate for renewal. Once a majority vote has been achieved, a BID levy becomes mandatory on all defined ratepayers.

For a BID to be introduced, the ballot of business must meet two conditions: a majority in number of those voting and a majority in proportion of rateable value of those voting. The BID levy is then applicable to all eligible businesses.

The BID ballot is administered by the Council Returning Officer and their electoral services staff. It is arranged in line with rules set out in the BID regulations (2004) as approved by Parliament.