Alternative to the BID? Options

[Richard Garvie]

I've been thinking a lot about the bid, and how national companies can opt out yet have a say on the ballot for the project. As the council would support the BID project, could we not have a hybrid version of the scheme where instead of doing it as a BID enforced levy, the council could raise business rates by .5% for everyone in an agreed area and then hand the money to the TCP to use to promote the town? Rather than creating a new post, have Newbury Events as part of the TCP to look after this money. If it proves a success, similar schemes could be run in Hungerford, Thatcham and Theale.

I've came to the conclusion that the BID scheme as it is operated around the UK is an unfair levy against local businesses and those national chains who do the decent thing and make a contribution. Unless there is a way to stop companies like TESCO from opting out, I just don't feel I can support it.