Vote of confidence in York BID

York’s Business Improvement District (BID) has been renewed for a third term, with hikes in levies paid by its members also approved.The renewal of the body for a third term and its Business Plan which includes levy hikes was backed by 91.4 per cent of its members who voted in a month-long ballot.York BID Executive Director Andrew Lowson said they were delighted with the result and were grateful to businesses which had voted.The body’s Chair Michael Hjort said they had shown the difference they could make in improving the look of the city centre, bringing people together and adding value for businesses.The result of the four-week ballot, which opened on Thursday, September 25, means the body will continue on for a third term from April next year until March 2031.Services provided by York BID include the city’s street rangers, taxi and river marshals, street cleaning and a safety network which launched this year.The body also organises events such as the Colour and Light display and Ghosts in the Garden, provides skills training for businesses and monitors city centre footfall and spending data.A Business Plan setting out the BID’s aims for its next term was also endorsed by the organisation’s members as a result of the vote.The plan states the body will aim to be a stronger voice for businesses and strive to play a more decisive role in how York adapts to modern consumer habits.Fee hikes approved as part of the plan will see levies rise to 1.6 per cent of the rateable value of its members’ properties.A further two per cent applied to the levied amount to cover inflation during the BID’s current second term has also been approved.Members’ payments will be capped at £20,000-a-year.BID Business Manager Chris Bush told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) earlier this year some businesses would pay more and some less depending on their rateable values.He added they aimed to offer members a return on their investment, with events like York Restaurant Week bringing in thousands of pounds.The area covered by the BID is also set to expand in its new term, taking in 10 additional streets.The new streets are Blossom Street, Bootham, The Crescent, Eboracum Way, Esplanade Court, Frederic Street, Heworth Green, Layerthorpe, Marygate and Marygate Lane.Speaking following the result of the ballot, BID Executive Director Mr Lowson said it was a clear endorsement of the work it had done since its founding in 2016.Mr Lowson said: “Over the next five years, we’ll continue to invest in projects that make York a cleaner, safer, and more vibrant place to live, work, and visit- while continuing to be a strong voice for our business community and ensuring they have the support they need to help them succeed.”BID Chair Mr Hjort said they were excited to keep building on their success and to deliver even more for levy payers in the years ahead.