Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How are the BID projects in the draft business plan chosen?
The projects are based on the ideas put forward by businesses as a result of the consultation process. The most popular ideas have been researched, costed, and included to ensure that they can be delivered.
What if everyone votes ‘YES’?
Just like a ‘political’ election, there is no minimum turnout required. If a majority of businesses (both in terms of total number and overall rateable value) vote positively, all businesses in the outlined boundary will be asked to contribute into the BID, even those that voted against. The money collected will be ring-fenced and held in the BID account for sole use by the BID to deliver projects set out in the Business Plan.
What if the majority vote no?
Who has to pay the BID levy?
If we get a ‘YES’ vote, any person, registered company, or charity who is a business occupier or leaseholder within the BID area and responsible for paying business rates as of 1st April 2023 would pay the levy. Landlords only become liable where the property is empty, and a lease does not exist.
Are there any exemptions on the BID levy?
Astmoor:
The Astmoor BID is inclusive of all businesses large and small, which we think is fair. All businesses within the Astmoor Industrial Area as of 1st April 2023, will therefore contribute towards the BID. Phone masts, ATMs and advertising boards are excluded.
Halebank:
The Halebank BID is inclusive of all businesses with the exception of small premises with a rateable value of less than £2,000 which we think is fair. Other businesses within the Halebank Industrial Area as of 1st April 2023, will therefore contribute towards the BID.
What will the BID cost me?
| Banding | Rateable Value | Annual BID Levy | Weekly Cost | Monthly Cost |
| A | <£2,000 | £0 | £0 | £0 |
| B | £2,001 – £4,999 | £395 | £7.60 | £32.92 |
| C | £5,000 – £9,999 | £695 | £13.36 | £57.91 |
| D | £10,000 – £24,999 | £965 | £18.56 | £80.42 |
| E | £25,000 -£49,999 | £1,295 | £24.90 | £107.92 |
| F | £50,000 – £99,999 | £1,495 | £28.75 | £124.58 |
| G | £100,000 – £149,999 | £1,750 | £33.65 | £145.83 |
| H | £150,000+ | £1,950 | £37.50 | £162.50 |
Which rateable value will be used to calculate my BID contribution?
The 2022 Rates listings. These figures are available via www.voa.gov.uk
Isn’t this just a way for the council to save money?
No, BIDs are not part of or controlled by the local council – they are 100% business led and business controlled. Also, legally BIDs cannot replace existing public services already provided by public bodies such as the council, police, and others. In that way, the BID only improves current standards and does not subsidise or replace them, which guarantees value for money for businesses. BIDs actually hold councils and police accountable to ensure the area is well serviced.
Who would run the BID?
Find out more about the BID Team, Astmoor Operating Group and Halebank Operating Group by clicking here.
Why do businesses have to pay for all of this – why isn’t someone else paying for it?
A BID delivers new or enhanced projects that otherwise will not be provided. BID income cannot be used to pay for services that are already being delivered. This is your opportunity as businesses to take control and implement the changes and projects that you want.
What’s in it for BID Businesses?
One of the proven benefits of a BID is that they give businesses a greater voice. They offer a fair system of contribution towards funding key improvements and actions that businesses have collectively identified and requested. The Operating Groups and BID team will commit themselves to projects and improvements that could be implemented and delivered upon.
Halton BID provides various services with the aim of strengthening businesses and the estate at large. You can view the services offered here and the free training courses and events we provide here.
What benefits do BIDs bring to everyone?
- Raised the profile of the area,
- Reduced levels of crime,
- Increased occupancy of commercial properties,
- Reduced individual business costs through joint projects,
- Made physical improvements to the area,
- Provided businesses with a powerful, united voice on key issues,
- Built local pride in the industrial area,
- Enabled businesses to be involved in worthwhile community projects,
- Created a more pleasant environment for employees and customers.
How will the BID be evaluated?
To make sure the BID is effective, at the start of the BID term (1st April 2023) the Astmoor Operating Group will identify Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) against which the performance of the BID will be monitored and evaluated on an ongoing basis. We will invite all businesses to feed into the creation of KPIs at the start of the BID term. The KPIs will ensure the Astmoor BID is accountable to all levy payers and that its’ performance is regularly monitored in a structured way by the Astmoor BID Board.
Performance figures against the KPIs will be published on the website www.haltonbid.co.uk and evaluated by the BID Operating Group and HCC BID Board on a quarterly basis.
Will the BID look for other sources of funding?
Yes. BID4 will try to identify sources of funding and support from other organisations. This may be both cash and in-kind, including commercial sponsorship, income generation or grants.
Who will I pay my levy to?
You will receive an invoice from Halton Borough Council on behalf of your respective BID each April. The council are handling the levy as they have the systems to invoice and collect the money. Funds will be transferred to the ring-fenced Halton BID accounts of Halton Chamber Enterprises Ltd (the Astmoor BID Account and the Halebank BID Account).
Who can vote?
All eligible business ratepayers will be entitled to vote if they were listed as a non-domestic rate payer within the proposed BID areas on 1st April 2022. Businesses with more than one property will receive a vote for each of the eligible premises.
When will the BID start and end?
If successful, the Astmoor and Halebank BID will formally commence on 1st April 2023. The BID will cover a five-year period to 31st March 2028. Before that date, Halton Chamber of Commerce & Enterprise may seek a renewal for a further BID term, and a new mandate via a further ballot.
Can BID projects be altered?
BID Projects, costs and timescales can be altered subject to approval from the BID Operating Group / HCC BID Board, providing they fall within the resources available.
Will my levy change?
No, the levy remains the same throughout the five-year BID term. If you are appealing your rates there will be no adjustments during the year to reflect changes in your rateable value due to appeals. Changes in values will be reflected in a corresponding levy change in the following year.
Where a new assessment is brought into the ratings list, the BID levy will fall to the property owner until the following April. The owner will be entitled to vote in the BID ballot.
Have BIDs worked elsewhere?
Yes, there are over 300 BIDs already established across the UK. Nearby, there are already established BIDs in Liverpool, Southport, Winsford, Chester and Manchester.
More information on BIDs can be found at British BIDs | Publications.
How do I know that the voting process is completely independent and confidential?
The ballot papers and voting instructions will be issued and counted by the Electoral Reform Services (ERS). As the UK’s leading independent provider of end-to-end ballot, election and voting services, thousands of organisations trust them to manage their ballot, election, vote, survey, or referendum. Some have fewer than a hundred voters; others have more than a million. Their reputation as the UK’s leading independent scrutineer brings unrivalled integrity to their election results. Neither Halton Chamber of Commerce or Halton Borough Council receive any indication of how individuals have voted at any time during or after the vote, the only communication being the result at the end. You can find out more about ERS at www.electoralreform.co.uk