BID Ballot
The UK legislation requires Business Improvement Districts to seek a business mandate though a ballot every five years. Positively Putney will be going to ballot in October 2026. During our second term using the annual levy collected from businesses we have invested over £1.5million into projects which promote Putney, enhance the town centre and represent local businesses. We are asking businesses that pay a BID levy to complete our consultation survey to help shape the future of your BID for the next five years. We would like to know what businesses think we have done well; what we could have done better and what new initiatives they would like to see introduced in a potential BID3 term. The new term would be from 2027 to 2032. We have the consultation available on line on survey monkey or a PDF on the paper documents can be downloaded below.
We will be having a informal sessions for businesses to attend to talk to the BID team about their priorities for the new BID term.
Thursday 12th February, Coppa Club, 8.30am to 10am, Reserve your place
Tuesday 24th March, The Railway Pub, 12.30pm to 2pm.
Creation of a Business Improvement District
A Business Improvement District is created when businesses in the BID area vote on a business plan which is tailored to respond to the needs of the businesses. This can typically include a safe and clean agenda, marketing, and business support. The formal ballot is open for 28 days and every business is given the opportunity to vote via a ballot paper. The council will issue voting papers that are posted to the business premises. BIDs operate under The Business Improvement Districts (England) Regulations 2004.
For a BID ballot to be successful it must be won on two counts:
- A straight majority by the number of those voting.
- A majority in the Rateable Value of those voting.
The businesses, whether they voted yes or not will have an annual mandatory levy payment based on their rateable value. A BID term is usually for a five year term and then the BID can go back to ballot for a new term if appropriate.
In November 2021, 396 businesses within Putney town centre were balloted, and 204 ballot papers returned. 85% of businesses by number, 93% of businesses by aggregate rateable value with a 52% turn out voted for Positively Putney to continue for a second term. The BID2 term started on 1st April 2022.
In November 2016, 407 businesses within Putney town centre were balloted, and 147 ballot papers returned. 75% of businesses by number, 74% of businesses by aggregate rateable value with a 39% turn out voted for Putney to become a Business Improvement District. Positively Putney Business Improvement District became operational in April 2017.