Yorkshire Coast BID (Business Improvement District)

What is a Business Improvement District (BID)?

A Business Improvement District is a defined area in which a levy is charged on all business rate payers in addition to the business rates bill. This levy is used to develop projects which will benefit businesses in the local area.

There is no limit on what projects or services can be provided through a Business Improvement District. The only requirement is that it should be something that is in addition to services provided by local authorities. Improvements may include, but are not limited to, extra safety/security, cleansing and environmental measures.

Typically a Business Improvement District is within a local authority boundary but in April 2013 government introduced Cross Boundary Business Improvement Districts enabling Business Improvement Districts to operate across local authority boundaries.

What is the Yorkshire Coast BID?

The Yorkshire Coast BID gives the business community an opportunity to bring forward projects that improve their area thereby increasing footfall from residents and tourists.  

The Yorkshire Coast BID covers a geographical area along our North Sea facing coastline running from just north of Whitby down to Spurn Point and as such the East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Scarborough Borough Council are acting as billing agents for the Yorkshire Coast BID company.

The BID came about following a referendum of affected businesses in the BID area which resulted in a Yes vote in November 2018. 

All affected potential ratepayers were identified by the BID company and were asked to vote in this referendum - whilst this Council only acts as a billing agent for the BID company, under Business Rates legislation both the East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Scarborough Borough Council have a legal obligation to bill for this. 

The legislation for billing for BID's falls under Business Rates regulations.

How is the Yorkshire Coast BID funded?

The BID is funded by a 1.5% levy collected from ratepayers who would benefit from a Yorkshire Coast Bid, such as:

• Accommodation - caravan parks, hotels, B&B, self-catering chalets
• Public houses
• Shops
• Restaurants
• Leisure industry – amusement arcades, leisure centres, golf courses.

The BID applies to each of these ratepayers with a rateable value of £12,000 and above within the defined geographic area. As such the minimum bid levy is £180.

What does the BID provide?

The purpose of the BID company is to provide services to residents and businesses in addition to those that are already provided by the councils.

This can be street art and events, plastic-free beach campaigns and other work - which in consultation with a board which includes representatives of the local business community, members from organisations within the BID area - and including members from local councils have agreed will benefit the BID area. This can include a more responsive service in dealing with graffiti, additional security measures to marketing campaigns and events to benefit the BID area.

Our BID area stretches from Flamborough in the North down to Spurn Point and loosely stretches out boundary wise along coastal roads.

The BID runs for a period of 5 years from 1 August 2019.

The BID levy is due in 1 instalment annually.

Are there any exemptions to the BID levy?

The following businesses will be exempt from the BID Levy:

• Premises that are occupied wholly or mainly by clubs and societies that are not for profit and have no other means of income other than voluntary subscriptions

• Those businesses with a rateable value of less than £12,000.

How do I pay the BID levy?

Online - Internet Banking

You can make payment through your Internet Banking, using the details below:

Sort Code: 60-02-23

Account Number: 99105837

Please quote your BID reference as your payment reference (This is located on the front of your invoice.)  

Telephone

You can make payment over the telephone, by calling us on (01482) 394748.

By Post

You can send a cheque made payable to “East Riding of Yorkshire Council” to:

East Riding of Yorkshire Council
PO Box No. 83
Beverley
East Riding of Yorkshire
HU17 9YR.

Please include your BID Levy Payment Reference Number on the back of the cheque. (This is located on the front of your invoice)  

Why have I received this bill?

You have received this bill from the East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Business Rates team as we are acting as a billing agent for the Yorkshire Coast BID.

A referendum was held in November 2018 of affected businesses. Those with a rateable value of £12,000 or more in a business type that the BID company feels would benefit from their being a Yorkshire Coast BID, such as:

• Accommodation
• Leisure
• Retail sectors.

The council has worked closely with the BID company to enable us to bill for this levy, as we have a legal obligation to act on their behalf in the event of them holding a successful referendum.

Why is this not part of my Business Rates bill?

The BID levy is separate to your business rates liability. The council collects business rates on behalf of central government and the BID levy on behalf of the Yorkshire Coast Business Improvement District

What would happen if I don’t pay the BID levy?

We would follow the same process as we would with a business rates bill – in terms of sending reminder and recovery notices out – and if you did not pay would look to obtain a liability order and if necessary an unpaid BID levy can be referred to an enforcement agent company for collection.

I want more information about what the BID company provides – who do I contact?

Kerry Carruthers
Project Manager - Yorkshire Coast BID
317 Woodend,
The Crescent,
Scarborough
North Yorkshire

Tel:  07803 307 679

Email:  kerry@yorkshirecoastbid.co.uk

Website:  Yorkshire Coast Bid (external website)

Details of the articles of association – Company information and business plan and what the Yorkshire Coast BID is all about are on their website.