What is a BID?
A simple idea
A Business Improvement District is a defined area in which businesses vote to invest collectively in improving their trading environment. If a majority votes yes, every eligible business contributes a small levy on their rateable value — and every penny is spent inside the BID area, on projects the businesses themselves choose.
The Area
The Wakefield BID boundary covers the commercial heart of the city centre — around 400 hereditaments across retail, hospitality, leisure, offices and services.
The Levy
An annual levy calculated on rateable value funds the BID. It is collected alongside business rates but is entirely separate — the money goes to the BID, not the council.
The Ballot
BIDs run in five-year terms. Wakefield BID was established by ballot in 2017, renewed in 2022, and goes to ballot again for the 2027–2032 term. One business, one vote.
The Governance
A board of levy-paying businesses sets strategy and scrutinises spend. The team reports to the board; the board answers to you. See Governance.
Where the money goes
BID income is invested across three themes — Place (cleaning, greening, environment), Promotion (events, marketing, festivals) and Provision (training, safety, business support). The full breakdown lives in the current Business Plan, and the proposed 2027–2032 programme is set out in the renewal Operating Agreement.