ABOUT US
Discover Christchurch BID
Supporting the thriving destination for businesses, visitors and the wider community of Christchurch
New Director Information Pack PDF document
What does the BID do?
To improve a local area by investing in services, and improvements. BIDs focus activity on behalf of local businesses to enhance the overall experience for visitors and residents alike, driving footfall and prosperity.
There are more than 320 BIDs already operating across the UK, with the majority focusing on town or city centres and the benefits they have brought about include increased footfall, improved marketing, more events, better security and enhanced streets.
Which areas are included in the BID?
Can I become a member if I’m not in the area?
If you wish to become a voluntary member of Christchurch BID, please email [email protected] for further details.
How much money is created by Levy payments?
Over £800,000 of additional revenue will be generated for Christchurch Town Centre over the next 5 years.
How much will my levy be?
For the average business, the cost of the BID levy will be less than the price of a cup of coffee per day, but collated together with other businesses, results in a significant fund that means projects can be realised.
It will be 2% of the rateable value of the premises you occupy. You can check your rateable value from your business rates bill.
Average levy bill graph . Billing Dates information
Where can I see what the BID is doing with the money it collects?
Please visit www.christchurchbid.co.uk where you can download the BID Business Plan which sets out the details of the work the BID undertakes.
When will I have to pay my levy?
The levy invoices will reach you at the start of each BID financial year, which runs from April to March.
Why am I making payment to BCP Council?
BCP Council acts as the collecting agent on behalf of Christchurch BID. Your payment will be automatically forwarded to Christchurch BID Ltd, a company limited by guarantee with a Board of Directors nominated and elected by Christchurch BID levy payers such as yourself.
Do I pay for the whole year?
Yes, the BID levy is payable annually in advance within 14 days of receipt of the levy invoice.
I didn’t vote – do I still have to pay?
Yes. The reason BIDs are so popular around the country is that the process is democratic and everyone in the BID area who would have to pay the levy has an opportunity to vote in the ballot. Each levy payer makes their own choice whether to vote or not.
I voted No – why do I still have to pay?
As with a general or local election, everyone in the proposed BID area has the chance to vote in the ballot and, after the election, everyone is bound by the way the majority voted. Because the majority voted Yes, everyone pays and the BID will work to make Christchurch better for all BID businesses, not just the ones who voted yes.
What happens if I move out of my premises?
If your business rates liability ends before the end of the financial year and you have paid your BID levy in full, you can claim a refund of the overpaid BID levy. Please contact BCP Council for your refund
What happens if I move into premises during the year?
If you move into premises in the BID area which are eligible for the levy, you will be liable to pay the BID levy for the unexpired portion of the financial year.
Where can I report an issue with:
ASB – BCP Website click here
Homelessness – BCP Website click here
Grafitti or Vandalism – BCP Website click here
We welcome feedback from our levy payers so if you would like to tell us about how our activities have impacted your businesses, share ideas about future events and activities or have an issue you would like us to look into for you, please get in touch [email protected]
