BID for town centre improvements

Three workshops organised by the Huddersfield Partnership have been attended by the society.

The Partnership gives town centre businesses a chance to outline their recommendations for the Business Improvement District (BID).

BIDs are part of the Government’s plan to encourage partnership working between a local authority and the business community. A BID is a defined area which can be developed in towns, cities and industrial estates.

Rate-paying businesses within the area decide on improvements to help transform it  – and then vote to agree the investment. If supported by a majority of town centre businesses, the BID will provide income raised through a levy on the rateable value of property. 

Depending on the final area chosen, the levy should raise between £346,000- £423,000 a year over a fixed period. 

This would be on top of any funding  allocated by Kirklees for town centre improvements, providing the businesses with a say in how they feel the money should be spent.

HCS committee member Peter Sargent attends BID meetings on behalf of the society. 

He said: "We are at a crucial stage in preparing a draft plan indicating where funds will be prioritised. 

"The plan will be launched in May and the ballot of property owners in June. The result of the ballot will be announced in July and, if there is majority support, work on improvements projects could start as early as October 2019."