The BBPA has welcomed moves by the Government to tackle ‘double charging’ for local businesses operating in Business Improvements Districts when it comes to exempting them from the Late Night Levy in towns and cities where the new tax is introduced.
The announcement comes in the Government’s review of BIDs published this weekend, where in a range of proposals DCLG has said it will “amend guidance to local authorities to ensure they carefully consider exempting from the Late Night Levy, any eligible Business Improvement Districts that are already funding night-time economy measures so high streets don’t pay twice.”
The BBPA has also welcomed moved to ensure that local authorities work more closely with Business Improvement Districts, through encouraging them to participate more actively in the planning process.
BBPA Chief Executive Brigid Simmonds comments:
“It is great to see the Government do more to recognise that voluntary local partnerships like BIDs really do work. While I don’t think that a new tax on local businesses, through the Late Night Levy, is the way forward for any town centre, this is a positive step to help ensure local businesses don’t pay twice. I hope local authorities take note of any new guidance.”
The Government’s response to the consultation is available here
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