Business Improvement Districts
Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) are areas where local businesses come together to invest in improvements that benefit the local community. These improvements are planned by the BID Company and detailed in their business plan.
BIDs are developed, managed and funded by businesses through a manadatory BID levy, which is usually based on the Rateable Value of the property. BIDs can cover a specific geographic area or target a particular type of business.
The BID ballot process
The businesses within the proposed BID area identified as being liable for the BID levy must vote in favour of the BID before it can be established.
For the BID to be successful, there must be a minimum of 25% turnout by the number of businesses and by combined Rateable Value. Of those that vote, over 50% by number and 50% by combined Rateable Value must vote in favour of the BID.
BIDs have a maximum duration of five years but have the opportunity to renew by a further ballot.
Our Role in BIDs
We act on behalf of the BID Company and are responsible for the billing and collecting of the levy. An invoice is issued to each liable property within the BID area requesting payment by instalments.
Payment of the levy can be made by:
BIDs enquiries
For any of the following enquiries please contact Customer Advice and Support or phone 0300 100 1800 and select option three:
- information on your bill
- who should be liable to pay the levy
- the amount of levy based on the Rateable Value
- setting up a Direct Debit
- making a debit or credit card payment
- balance and instalments enquiries
Problems paying the BID levy
If you do not pay your BID Levy by the due dates we may take further steps including legal action to ensure payment. We recommend that you pay your BID Levy by Direct Debit to ensure these are received on time. If you have finding it difficult to pay please contact Customer Advice and Support on 0300 100 1800 and select option three.
BIDs in our area
From 1 April 2025 we have two BID's within the Scottish Borders. You can contact them for further information about the following:
- the aims and objectives of the BID
- information on how the BID works
- the progress of the BID projects
Any other type of enquiry should be directed to Customer Advice and Support.