Recommendation 55

Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) are bodies (either private companies or in partnership with the local authority) that are funded by a levy on business rate payers in the area. 103 BID boards consist of local business owners and are established through a ballot which takes place every five years. Multiple BIDs with different specific focuses may operate in the same area. For example, in Liverpool there are Accommodation, Culture and Commerce, and Retail and Leisure BIDs, all of which are balloted for separately and will have different relevant levy payers. 104 In BIDs, the funding is ring-fenced for use in that area and can be used for improvements such as cleaning services, safety measures and transport incentives. BIDs may replace functions traditionally considered to be the responsibility of the local authority where it is under financial strain. 105