What is a Business Improvement District (BID)?
A Business Improvement District (BID) 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.
BIDS are balloted every five years in a vote by the non-domestic rate payers who sit within the defined district. Votes are cast in accordance with Electoral Services regulations and requirements. Votes require you as a business to say yes or no to a further five years of BID support or services. There is not an alternative BID to vote for.
Your BID is Successful Sutton (Enjoy Sutton). It was balloted in 2022 for a further five years of project and service delivery. The businesses within the district voted Yes. The BIDS current term will end in 2027.
For more information on BID’s visit the GOV.UK website
What is the BID levy?
The BID levy is a charge payable in respect of non-domestic properties in the Business Improvement District area of the Town Centre. The BID will start on 1st October 2022 and last for 5 years until 30th September 2027. You will be issued with a levy bill from 1st October 2022. Thereafter a notice will be issued every October for the period 1 October to 30 September.
BID service or other enquiry?
If you have an enquiry about the BID services or anything other than payment (which you should direct to London Borough of Sutton), you should contact the BID Company:
Successful Sutton, Market House, 216-220 High Street, Sutton, SM1 1NU
Email: info@successfulsutton.co.uk / Telephone: 0208 643 9304
What is the council’s role in the BID?
The Council are responsible for collecting the levy for any business improvement district in our area. They are not responsible for providing the BID services.
Who has to pay the BID levy?
The person or organisation liable to pay the Business Rates for the property is liable to pay the BID levy. Where a property is occupied, this will be the occupier, for empty properties the person or organisation entitled to occupy the property is liable to pay. This will normally be the leaseholder or the owner.
Does the council and other public sector bodies pay the BID levy?
Yes. The Council and the public bodies must pay the levy on properties within the BID area for which we are liable to pay non-domestic rates.
Can I opt out of the BID?
No. The BID is legally binding on the Business Ratepayers in the Business Improvement District area.
What happens to the money collected through the levy?
The funds collected through the levy can only be used to pay for BID services. The Council hold the funds received in the BID revenue account and make payments to the BID Body (Successful Sutton Limited) to pay for the BID services that are provided by the company.
Details of all BID services, projects and organised events can be found on this website.
What do I get for my money?
Successful Sutton BID is responsible for organisation and delivery of events, projects, services and support to district members throughout its term.
Further details of what we have done and are planning to do can be found on this website.
Aren’t these services already provided by the council?
No. By law the services provided under the Business Improvement District must be additional services not already provided by the Council or enhancements to existing services.
I don’t benefit from BID services why should I pay?
The money collected from the BID levy will go towards the additional services that will be provided by Successful Sutton. The BID levy is a charge payable by law. If you have an enquiry about how you can benefit from BID services you should contact the BID Directly to find out what support is available for you.
I voted against the BID or wasn’t eligible to vote at the time of the ballot. Do I still have to pay?
Yes. The result of the BID ballot held in June 22 is binding on all non-domestic ratepayers in the BID area from 1 October 2022 to 30 September 2027. This includes persons or organisations who become ratepayers after the date of the ballot.
Is there an increase in the BID levy each year?
BIDS are able to implement annual inflationary increase of all levy charges (including fixed band charges) year on year for the duration of the Business Improvement District,
This increase is a decision taken by the BID with the oversight of its board of Directors, a group of representatives from businesses who operate within District. There are no plans for an increase in charge from 1% for the period 2022-2023 and any future changes to payment would be sent to all members with sufficient notice.
The property is unoccupied do I still need to pay?
Yes. The ratepayer for an unoccupied property is also liable to pay a BID levy. This will normally be the leaseholder or owner.
Can I pay by installments?
Yes. Whilst the BID Levy is generally payable in one payment due on 1st of October each year, there is an option to spread those payments into installments on agreement with the BID and London Borough of Sutton. Details to contact the payment team are available on the back of the invoice.
What should I do if I can’t pay?
If you are facing financial difficulties then we can work with you to look at ways to make things easier. Please contact London Borough of Sutton payments team, contact information can be found on your invoice as well as on any reminder letter you have received.
If you are unsure how to proceed and would like independent advice, you may wish to discuss the above with a solicitor or your usual financial advisor. Alternatively, there are a number of organisations available which offer free and impartial advice such as the Citizens Advice Bureau and Money Helper.
What happens if I paid for the year then cease to be liable?
The BID levy is calculated on a chargeable day. So, if you cease to be liable to Business Rates part way through a financial year (e.g. you sell the property or move out ) and have already paid in full, there will be no refund (unlike your Business Rates account which is calculated on a daily basis).
