Businesses vote to continue Lerwick business improvement district scheme
BUSINESSES in Lerwick have voted in favour of Living Lerwick continuing the business improvement district (BID) for another five years.
A total of 54 businesses voted in favour following a Shetland Islands Council count today (Friday), with 12 voting against the proposal.
Living Lerwick operates the BID in an attempt to “create a more vibrant, viable and sustainable town centre”.
Its chairman Steve Mathieson said they were “grateful for the continued support” of its members and were “delighted that the majority have voted in favour of a fourth BID term”.
“This result demonstrates that businesses value the benefits of working together.
“Over the coming years we look forward to continuing to invest in initiatives that help promote Lerwick, support our businesses and encourage people to shop, visit and spend time in our town centre.”
Businesses within the BID pay a compulsory levy based on the rateable value of their property.
Concern had been shown at a planned 20 per cent uplift in the levy, which would increase annual rates to between £240 and £1,020.
However, Living Lerwick bosses said the levy has not increased in the last 14 years.
A business plan for the next term, from 2026-31, says it has been agreed by the BID board that there will be no increase or decrease in the levy over the next five years.
Having started in Lerwick in 2012, the BID comes up for renewal every five years, with businesses given a vote.
The upcoming term comes with a revised BID boundary, which will reduce the number of eligible properties from around 150 to approximately 115.
In return for the levy payments Living Lerwick carries out a number of activities during the year including Christmas lights and a parade, flowers, bunting, the Spend at da Street loyalty scheme, marketing and other events.
Shetland Islands Council voted in favour of the BID being renewed for a further five years earlier this year.
The council has a vote in the ballot as it owns six properties within the BID area which would be liable for levy payment.
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