Executive asked to support ballot on future of York BID

On 3 June, City of York Council’s Executive will be asked to support the decision to hold a ballot to determine the future of the York Business Improvement District (BID).

BIDs are independent, not-for-profit, organisations, funded by city centre businesses to deliver projects and improvements that enhance the city centre and create a more profitable trading environment.

York BID, launched in 2016, is funded by a levy on commercial premises within the BID area with a rateable value of over £17,500.

Since its launch, York BID has invested a total of £7.6m into the city centre, delivering a range of family-friendly projects, programmes and attractions. These initiatives aim to be financially inclusive, enhance the city centre environment, increase business and trade, and boost raise the profile of York as a destination.

The BID operates on a five-year term. The most recent ballot of levy-paying businesses was held in 2021, when 86% voted in favour of extending the BID for a second five-year by number of votes, with 94% voting in favour by rateable value.

If the ballot is successful, the new term will include an extension to the current BID area to include ten new streets:

• Blossom Street
• The Crescent
• Bootham
• Marygate
• Frederic Street
• Marygate Lane
• Esplanade Court
• Layerthorpe
• Eboracum Way
• Heworth Green

The inclusion of these streets from 2026 would increase the number of levy payers from 892 to 974.

Cllr Pete Kilbane, Executive Member for Economy and Culture, said: 

“As we near the end of the BID’s second term, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the York BID for the fantastic work they have done to make our city centre economy stronger, cleaner, greener, more inclusive and more accessible for everyone to enjoy.

“I’d encourage all eligible businesses to take part and make their voices heard through the BID ballot, which will shape the future of York’s economy over the coming years.”