The information we are presenting on this website is not negative hype, there are real hard examples of the wrong doings of BID’s, and them getting voted in by Councils without the real majority support of businesses. One such example is Andover BID, which was essentially forced in by Council casting votes and there has been a lot on unease since, which has even resulted in a Councillor resigning. Just look at the press headlines:
Go to LOVEANDOVER and you can read all the above articles yourself. If you don’t want to trawl through all the articles, here are a few excerpts, you just couldn’t make this up if you tried!
To set the chronological scene covered below, the BID ballot was in November 2018, and the BID came into effect in April 2019.
“A planned meeting of Andover business people was fraught with disruption last night as plans for a Business Improvement District – or BID – were presented. Owners of some local companies walked out of the meeting at the Guildhall.”
“many local businesses owners hadn’t been contacted about the BID plans”
“communication from the ‘BID’ steering group has been “non existent” and decisions have been made behind their back.”
“Cllr Richard Rowles challenged the recommendation and questioned the legality that a local authority may “influence a vote, one way or another” by actively encouraging local businesses to vote ‘yes’ for a ‘BID’.”
“The businessman told 95.9FM Andover Radio, “Basically I have taken the view that with the BID looming, and if a yes vote goes through, its going to cost me more with this stealth tax, so I can’t keep spending money to encourage people into the town.”
“levy payments from Andover high street businesses are being used to support companies based not only outside the levy area, but also outside of Andover.”
“Referring to the BID support for giving 12 months’ “rent free” to a new business, one angry local business owner within the BID levy area write to Andover Radio, saying, “This is disgusting. Existing businesses being taxed extra so new start ups get 12 months RENT FREE?!!!”
“This is taking the p***! What if [that business] is in direct competition to us, or another business? How can that help?”
“the BID was voted in by the use of votes cast by Test Valley Borough Council.”
“Andover’s BID was ‘elected’ within a maelstrom of controversy. The majority of businesses in Andover voted against the BID, many claiming ‘immoral use’ of borough council votes.”
“51.1% of ‘businesses’ in Andover were in favour of the scheme, however the vote was swung by Test Valley Borough Council’s ownership of car parks in town; this enabled them to vote in favour of adopting the BID.”
“At Thursday’s Annual Council meeting of Andover town council, the new administration agreed to “withdraw support” for the BID.”
“Andover Alliance councillors would be prepared to go to court to defend the local companies who will be prosecuted for non-payment of the levy.”
“Many businesses have been upset by the way that their rates payments have increased by 1.5% per year. Some local councillors have supported the anger felt by small businesses owners.”
“Levy demands were send out in April, demanding the full annual levy within three weeks.”
“We asked people of Andover if they felt this was a fair way to collect payments. 93% said “no”.”
“We have got to stop destroying our town and punishing our businesses. We need to start thinking and acting differently, in the interests of local people and businesses.”
In August 2019 the saga continues as the Press reports an Andover Councillor is making a stand against his own councils, after recognising the undemocratic way council voting bias influenced the BID yes vote, read the full press article here. Also, below is a comment from Councillor Farrer himself on 13th September 2019.
An interesting read eh? Many Councillors across the UK don’t really understand BIDs, but this Councillor is also a BID levy payer and knows better!