What is a BID?

A business improvement district is a defined area in which a levy is charged on business rate payers in addition to the business rates bill. The levy is used to develop projects which will benefit businesses in the town.

Once the ballot has been undertaken and the result is positive all businesses must then pay their levy payment regardless of their voting intention.

The establishment and operation of a BID is governed by legislation – Part 4 of the Local Government Act 2003 and the Business Improvement Districts (England) Regulations 2004.

About the BID

Skipton BID was first introduced in 2009 and was voted back in for a third term in 2019 and runs through to March 2024. In 2019 82% of the Skipton levy paying businesses voted yes.

The BID is managed by a not-for-profit company which has a Board of voluntary Directors comprising of representatives of key stakeholders and levy payers. The BID Board is responsible for the strategic and financial management of the BID and meets on a monthly basis.

Annual accounts are produced alongside an annual review, an AGM is held where these will be made available to levy paying businesses.

As required by the BID legislation, Skipton BID is in a legal agreement with North Yorkshire Council and has a Baseline agreement which sets out the minimum service standards to be delivered by North Yorkshire Council. There is also an Operating agreement which defines the contractual arrangements for the collection and enforcement of the BID levy.

Levy rules for Skipton BID

  • A BID levy of 1.% of rateable value will be charged on all eligible hereditaments listed in the local Non-Domestic Rating List.
  • A threshold of £6,001 Rateable Value will be applied, thereby exempting any businesses within the BID area falling below £6,001 Rateable Value.
    The term of the BID will be five years from 1st April 2019 to 31st March 2024.
  • The levy will be charged annually in advance for each chargeable period from April to March each year. No refunds will be made.
  • In the case of an empty or untenanted premises, the property owner will be liable for the BID levy with no void period and will be entitled to vote.
  • There are no reliefs or discounts .

Important BID Documents

You can read the full Skipton Bid Levy rules here Skipton BID Levy Rules 

Boundary Map