Why have I received a BID levy bill?
The BID levy is charged on eligible business properties (known as hereditaments for rating purposes) within the BID area, in accordance with the approved BID Business Plan and Operating Agreement.
You have received a BID levy bill because the property for which you are liable for business rates is located within the Portsmouth City Centre BID area.
Portsmouth City Council acts as the billing authority and is responsible for issuing bills, collecting payments and undertaking recovery action where necessary.
How is the BID levy calculated?
The Portsmouth City Centre BID is a five-year scheme. Each financial year of the scheme begins on 1 October. The BID levy is calculated annually on the chargeable day, which is 1 October each year.
The levy is set at 1.75% of the rateable value of the business property on that date. The rateable value shown in the 2023 Rating List will be used. If the property does not have a valuation in the 2023 Rating List, its rateable value from the 2026 Rating List will be used instead.
The levy is calculated using the applicable rateable value for the business property, regardless of any transitional arrangements, reliefs or reductions that may apply to your business rates account.
The amount due is shown on your annual BID levy demand notice.
Who must pay the levy?
The person, company or organisation liable for business rates for an eligible business property on the chargeable day, 1 October, is responsible for paying the BID levy for that levy year.
This means liability is fixed on 1 October, and any subsequent change in the occupier or business rates payer does not transfer responsibility for that year’s levy.
When must the levy be paid?
The levy is payable by the date shown on your demand notice.
The BID levy is separate from your business rates bill and must be paid in addition to any business rates due.
If you do not pay
If payment is not received by the due date, we may issue a reminder.
If the levy remains unpaid, we may take recovery action in accordance with the BID arrangements and relevant legislation. This may include court proceedings, and you may be required to pay any costs incurred.
What is a Business Improvement District (BID)?
A Business Improvement District (BID) is a defined geographical area where eligible business ratepayers vote on whether to contribute towards additional projects, services and initiatives that will benefit the area.
The Portsmouth City Centre BID was approved following a ballot of eligible business ratepayers.
Before a BID can operate, eligible ratepayers in the proposed BID area are given the opportunity to vote on the BID Proposal and Business Plan. For a BID ballot to be successful, it must be supported by a majority of those voting and by a majority of the rateable value of the votes cast.
Once a BID has been approved through this ballot process, the BID levy becomes payable by all ratepayers who fall within the levy rules for the BID area, whether or not they voted in the ballot and whether they voted for or against the proposal.
The BID operates in accordance with the Local Government Act 2003 and the Business Improvement Districts (England) Regulations 2004.
The BID levy helps fund projects and services that support businesses and enhance Portsmouth City Centre.
How are BID funds used?
Income collected through the BID levy is passed to Portsmouth City Centre BID to fund projects and services set out in the BID Business Plan.
Further information about BID initiatives, projects and expenditure can be obtained from Portsmouth City Centre BID.
Contact Portsmouth City Centre BID
For information about BID projects, events and the Business Plan:
- Website: Business Improvement District - Portsmouth City Centre
- Email: bidmanager@portsmouthcitycentrebid.co.uk
Contact Portsmouth City Council about your BID levy bill
If you have a question about your BID levy account, payment, bill or recovery action, please contact Portsmouth City Council:
- Email: PortsmouthBID@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
- Telephone: 023 9268 8588 (option 3)
Privacy notice
Read the Business Improvement District (BID) levy privacy notice.