Business Improvement District
BIDS: The National Initiative
In April 2001 the government introduced legislation to allow Business Improvement Districts (BIDs).
BIDs offer a local solution to improve and manage areas. They make sure funding is received in an equal and sustainable way from all the key people with an interest in the area.
The idea came from the United States in the late 1970s. BID areas were set up and put in place to stop the decline of retail and commercial activities in older, inner city areas.
The scheme was a huge success, so the British Government decided to bring the idea over here. Legislation was put in place to allow local authorities to ask for a levy from businesses in certain areas. This would only be done after a ballot of those concerned.
Liverpool City Central BID:
The Liverpool City Central Business Improvement District (BID) was the first to be created in a city in the North of England. It is managed by the Liverpool BID Company.
Funded by the businesses within the BID boundary, the Liverpool BID Company delivers a wide range of additional activities. These are designed to bring more visitors to the retail heart of the city centre and improve overall trading performance.
All staffing and running costs for the BID are covered by voluntary contributions from Liverpool City Council and other partners. Every penny of the money raised through the BID levy is spent directly on:
- better safety and security for customers and staff with additional street crime wardens and a successful radio alert scheme that enables stores to keep in contact about potential shoplifters and public nuisance issues;
- cleaner more attractive streets through the use of five additional street cleaners; and
- better promotion and events.
More Information
Do you want to know more? Please ring Susan Kelly 0151-233-2215 or email citycentrepr@liverpool.gov.uk.
You can also visit the BID website at http://www.citycentralbid.com/