Levy Payer FAQs

What is a Business Improvement District?

A BID (Business Improvement District) is a geographically defined area where businesses collectively contribute to and invest in projects and services that enhance their trading environment.

Christchurch BID represents and supports more than 250 levy-paying businesses and promotes Christchurch as an attractive, welcoming, well-promoted and safe place to live, work and spend time.

Who Manages Christchurch BID?

The BID Board is made up of levy payers. Click here to meet our board members

The BID is overseen by a Voluntary Board of Directors, all of whom represent businesses from the private sector or organisations paying the Christchurch BID levy. Daily operations and organisation of the BIDs work is the responsibility of the BID Management Team.

The Management Team and the Board of Directors are responsible for the delivery of projects, events, and promotions ensuring that they are delivered in budget in accordance with the BID Current Term Business Plan.

The BID is a not-for-profit limited company, which operates with openness and transparency with representation from a wide range of Christchurch levy business owners, and stakeholders.

How long will the BID be in operation?

Christchurch BID Term One will operate until 31 October 2026. Shortly before the end of the term one, the directors will seek business approval for a new term in a fresh ballot and with a new business plan if they believe a further term would be of benefit.

What does a BID do?

A BID delivers the projects set out in its Business Plan over the term of the BID, for the benefit of the BID levy payers. The BID Board oversees this work. In Christchurch, the projects we deliver are based around four themes:

Can I opt out of paying my levy if I don’t want to be part of the BID?

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. 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. 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.

How much will my levy be?

It will be 1.75% of the rateable value of the premises you occupy. You can check your rateable value from your business rates bill.

Tenants of a managed centre who can provide evidence that they are subject to a service charge that duplicates services provided by the BID (such as marketing, planting, events or street cleansing) will receive a discount on their BID levy at a rate of 1.3% compared to 1.75%

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 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.

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.

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.

Which areas are included in the BID?

A map of the area can be seen here

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]