British BIDs Chair’s 2025 contribution

In hosting this year’s very successful National BIDs Conference, I commented on how British BIDs has worked constructively and positively with Government over the past two years on behalf of our members and others in the BID industry. In highlighting those areas of change that BIDs want to see, we have successfully demonstrated the collective value of our work, and how it aligns to the current focus on growth.  

The announcements regarding BIDs in the Government’s Pride in Place strategy are welcome - making ballots easier through electronic voting will ultimately save BIDs time and money, and having Property BIDs outside of London will surely be a powerful catalyst for investment and growth. Our conference speakers were excellent; whether from BIDs or external organisations, they reflected the value of our work: as investors in places and communities, as leaders and innovators, and in being effective, adaptive, flexible and resilient partners. But many speakers - and delegates, too - were honest about the current challenges and what the immediate future may hold.  

One topic was mentioned several times - the possible introduction of a tourism tax in England, akin to the Edinburgh model. And since the conference, we’ve heard plans for such a scheme to be introduced in Cardiff, and The Times has outlined what it understands the Chancellor will announce in next week’s budget as to how such a tax on visitors can be introduced in some parts of England, through the Devolution Bill.  

We know that any additional tax on business will be difficult, given the many pressures that they are under. If a tourism tax is to be introduced through legislation, then it’s essential that the business community - including BIDs - is engaged from the outset. It’s imperative that - if introduced - any new tax works alongside the BID model, to deliver benefits to the economy and the places where BIDs operate. For example, additional and dedicated funding could strengthen and support initiatives to promote tourism and business visits, and to enhance existing services that BIDs provide. But there are undoubted risks around the impact on businesses and the visitor and experience economy, the possibility of duplication of services, and complexities around governance and accountabilities.  

Much will depend on how revenues are collected, including by who, and the strength of the relationships between BIDs, those businesses that will be affected, and local and regional tiers of government. BIDs will need to look at how a possible tourism tax will impact them and their levy paying businesses. The British BIDs team is here to help and provide advice.”