Business Improvement Districts, as reported a few times in Professional Security in 2004, are on the march in business and city centres – whereby businesses pay a levy – have to pay – for extras such as cleaning or security patrols. This could mean an end to ‘free-loaders’ not paying for crime reduction efforts but enjoying the same benefits as those that are public-spirited enough to pay.
London’s West End has voted to become the second BID (Business Improvement District), following the first, Kingston upon Thames voted in favour of a package of improvements in their local area in late 2004.
A majority of business ratepayers located in an area from Piccadilly Circus to Leicester Square voted to pay a levy on the local business rate in order to continue funding a programme of improvements to the local environment which have been provided under a pilot BID scheme over the last three years. These will help deliver safer and cleaner streets within the area, the Government claims.
What they say
Local Government Minister Nick Raynsford said: "This is a great day for businesses located within one of London’s most exciting areas. I congratulate all those at the Heart of London BID who have already achieved improvements under the pilot BID scheme on which today’s vote will build.
"Regulations introduced by this Government less than two months ago mean that local businesses will be able to put in place projects which enhance the viability and quality of the environment. The Heart of London scheme will play an important role in boosting the local economy and the competitiveness of all businesses which operate within it.
"But the benefits of the BID will not be felt by businesses alone; people from the local area and beyond will enjoy a cleaner, safer, more pleasant environment in which to shop, work and socialise.
