Tories back BIDs for localism agenda
BUSINESS Improvement Districts will receive the Government’s backing as part of its ‘localism’ agenda, a Tory Party Conference fringe meeting heard.
Bob Neill, parliamentary under secretary of state for communities and local government, said that the business-led groups fitted in with the new coalition’s pledge to reduce red tape.
A BID is defined as a precise geographical area within which businesses invest collectively in local improvements and additional services.
These are financed through extra levies made to the council by occupants based on their standard business rates.
Mr Neill told delegates: “They have a part to play in the mix of a region. We are committed to getting rid of bureaucracy, that’s why we are looking at things like quangos.
“BIDs have a definite dynamic, localist identity and the localism agenda has to be encouraging dynamism and entrepreneurship with proper collaboration between local authorities and their business communities.
“We’re giving local authorities incentives to build new homes and develop new businesses. I am happy to come along and support the BID concept.”
Around 40 delegates attended the conference fringe event in Birmingham which was addressing the question “What role can BIDS plan in preparing for the upturn?”.
