Source · Select Committees · Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee
Recommendation 13
13
Paragraph: 67
The Government’s commitment in its Build Back Better High Streets strategy to work with stakeholders...
Recommendation
The Government’s commitment in its Build Back Better High Streets strategy to work with stakeholders on how property owners and community groups can be better engaged with Business Improvement Districts is welcome, albeit vague. This work should include consideration of how Business Improvement Districts can be supported to be their most effective, such as exploring whether renewal terms should be extended. The Government should commit to a review of whether additional models could be legislated for alongside Business Improvement Districts, such as Community Improvement Districts, Property Owner BIDs, and Place Improvement Districts. The Government should collect and publish examples of local initiatives that could serve as models.
Paragraph Reference:
67
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
As highlighted in the Select Committee report, Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) have played a key role in supporting our high streets throughout the pandemic. We thank the Committee for their helpful suggestions on additional models that could be taken forwards and will keep them under consideration. When considering the length of terms, it is also important that businesses who will be subject to the levy are permitted a democratic right to vote on payment of that levy at regular and frequent intervals. The Committee recommends reviewing whether additional models of BIDs would be appropriate, and publishing case studies. BIDs currently allow for community representation and there are positive examples of property owners working closely with BIDs. The High Streets Task Force resource library also has numerous examples of how BIDs operate, work with different stakeholders, and have supported high streets and responded to change. These resources are available to all via the High Streets Task Force website.