About The BID
The BID Levy
The BID is principally funded through a levy charged to occupiers of eligible commercial premises located within its defined geographical boundary, creating a collective fund which is ring-fenced for city centre investment. The BID levy process is governed by Government Legislation and Regulations. As such, once a majority vote has been achieved, the BID levy becomes mandatory on all defined ratepayers. The rules for the BID levy are as follows:
Levy Rules
1.
The levy rate to be paid by each property or hereditament is to be calculated as 1.6% of its rateable value (RV) as at each ‘chargeable day’ (1st April each year). The charge will apply to all hereditaments, including any that may be added to the ratings list after each chargeable day with an effective date of the chargeable day or prior.
2.
The levy will be charged annually in advance for each chargeable period to be 1st April to 31st March each year, starting in 2026. No refunds will be made.
3.
In all instances, any national ratings revaluation during the BID term will be disregarded and the RV assigned to each hereditament will be the value assigned as of 31st March 2026.
4.
If a revised or new RV is applied because of any change of use or a physical change to a property or hereditament including, inter alia, new construction, merger, subdivision, extension, and refurbishment. For such premises, the revised RV would be applied as at the next ‘chargeable day’.
5.
Only properties or hereditaments with a RV of £17,500 or more will be liable for payment of the levy.
6.
If, during the term, RV assigned to a property or hereditament falls below £17,500 for whatever reason (either through physical change, change of use, or revaluation arising from the adoption of the 2026 Rating List), the property or hereditament will be exempt from the levy from the next changeable period.
7.
If, during the term, either; (a) a new property or hereditament enters the list or (b) a property or hereditament with a RV which had previously been below the £17,500 threshold is assigned a RV which is £17,500 or more due to a change of use or a physical change including, inter alia, new construction, merger, subdivision, extension, or refurbishment, the property or hereditament will become liable from the first chargeable day after the effective date of change.
8.
The maximum sum payable by any one hereditament will not exceed £20,000 in any year.
9.
The number of properties or hereditaments liable for the levy is approximately 965.
10.
From Year 2 onwards, the levy rate will be increased by the fixed rate of inflation of 2% per annum (rounded).
11.
Non-retail/leisure based businesses with charitable status will pay 50% of the levy that would otherwise apply. Medical practices that are wholly owned by the NHS will be made exempt from any levy charge.
12.
The ratepayer for any untenanted properties or hereditaments will be liable for payment of the levy.
13.
York City Council will be responsible for collection of the levy. The collection charge will be circa £25,000 per annum this equates to £26 per hereditament and approximately 2.1% of anticipated billed levy.
Become a Voluntary BID Levy Payer
Businesses who occupy a commercial property in York city centre, but are not legally required to pay the annual York BID levy, may apply to become a voluntary levy payer.
Voluntary members based within the BID Area will be able to access all standard BID services and benefits for an annual fee of 1.6% of their rateable value, capped at a minimum of £160. Applications from businesses outside the BID Area will be considered on a case-by-case basis, based on programme viability and proximity.
To apply, please complete and submit an online form via the link on this page. Before applying, please ensure you read the voluntary levy rules and terms and conditions on this page. A member of the team will contact you soon after receiving your application to follow up.