ABOUT US
Discover Christchurch BID
Supporting the thriving destination for businesses, visitors and the wider community of Christchurch
What is the BID?
What is a Business Improvement District?
A Business Improvement District (BID) is a locally led, independently managed partnership between businesses and the local authority, working together to improve a defined area.
Who Manages Christchurch BID?
Christchurch BID is managed by a dedicated team, working closely with local businesses, partners and stakeholders to deliver the BID’s objectives and support the local economy.
How long will the BID be in operation?
The BID will be in operation for a defined period, as set out in the BID proposal and ballot. Please refer to the Business Plan for the exact dates →
What does a BID do?
A BID focuses on four key areas to make the town a better place to work, visit and invest:
Understanding your BID levy
The BID levy is a small investment that makes the BID possible. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about how it works and what it means for you.
2%
of the rateable value
of your premises
1
Can I opt out of paying my levy?
Once the BID is voted in by a majority vote by local businesses, all businesses in the designated BID area are legally required to pay their levy. The levy is in addition to business rate payments and is not an optional payment. Non-payers of the BID levy will be contacted by BCP Council Collections department and may face legal action if they do not make payment.
2
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. Since the majority voted Yes, everyone pays, and the BID will work to improve Christchurch for all BID businesses, not just those who voted yes.
3
How much will my levy be?
It will be 2% of the rateable value of the premises you occupy. You can check your rateable value from your business rates bill.
4
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.
5
Why am I making payment to BCP Council?
BCP Council act 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.
6
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.
Where can I find more information?
Which areas are included in the Christchurch BID?
View the BID area map to see if your premises is within the BID boundary.
Where can I see what the BID is doing with the money I’ve collected?
You can view our Business Plan to see how we’re investing in Christchurch’s future.
Additional FAQs
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 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. The BID communicates regularly with levy payers, so make sure you sign up to receive emails on our website and follow us on social media @christchurchbid
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]
