D-Day for BID proposal as traders cast final votes

Businesses have just a few hours left to vote for or against Maidstone becoming a Business Improvement District (BID). If a majority of those voting in the ballot say ‘yes’ to the scheme, all the businesses within the town centre boundary, whose rateable value exceeds £15,000 a year, will be obliged by law to pay an additional 1.5% levy on their business rates. The money will fund a community interest company that will seek to promote footfall and trade in the town, and could be in charge of things like street cleaning, Christmas lights and events. The BID scheme would operate for five years. The proposal has been developed by One Maidstone and is being supported by Maidstone council which is using its 15 votes to back the scheme. Voting has been going on since June 15, but the final deadline for eligible businesses to cast their ballot is 5pm today (Thursday). The council’s election team will supervise the count and a result will be announced tomorrow.