Christchurch Business Improvement District (BID) covers c250 businesses within Christchurch town centre and is funded principally through a compulsory levy charged to eligible business ratepayers within the BID area. The levy is collected by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council and used to fund projects and services delivered through Christchurch BID.
Christchurch BID was originally established following a ballot of businesses in 2021 for an initial five-year term. In 2026, businesses were asked to vote on whether the BID should continue for a second five-year term.
The second term renewal ballot was successful, with 60 of the 80 valid votes cast supporting the BID. However, overall turnout was just 29.89%, meaning the BID was voted in on the say of less than one in four levy paying businesses.
The low turnout and poor supporting mandate does, however, raise an important question about the views of the wider levy-paying business community and whether it really has the support of the true majority of businesses.
If you would like to be put in contact with fellow businesses against Christchurch BID then contact us.
10 reasons why businesses are unhappy with Christchurch BID:
1. BID is an extra tax on hard working businesses we just don’t need.
2. Businesses are not seeing any return on investment, so why throw good money after bad?
3. The BID is reducing financial demands on the Councils at the expense of businesses.
4. Lack of ballot consultation.
5. Businesses are feeling bullied and forced into paying the BID levy.
6. Poor communication with levy payers.
7. The BID is reducing financial demands on BCP Council.
8. Lies and broken promises from the Business Plan.
9. Wasting money.
10. An ineffective Board of Directors.
As levy payers we deserve better, whilst the Council are neglecting their responsibilities and laughing all the way to the bank.
Christchurch businesses are wasting their money and we need to end this stealth tax!
Visit the UK’s leading Facebook Group to see for yourself the devastation BIDs inflict on our town and city business communities. Tell us about your experiences, and seek support and advice from others that have successfully fought off BIDs.
Click on image below to visit the group.
This is the campaign webpage for those against Christchurch Business Improvement District.
We are grateful to those behind the Against BID website for their expert guidance and hosting this page.
We will continually update this page, so please check back regularly, and in the meantime why not take a look around this Against BID website.