Peterborough Business Improvement District (BID)

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Business Improvement District (BID) rules
Pay your BID levy
Objectives of the Business Improvement District (BID)
Business plan
Contact us

Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) are business-led partnerships that deliver services to local businesses. They are created through a ballot process.

At Peterborough City Council, we are responsible for:

Collecting the BID levy
Administering the BID revenue account

This money goes towards operations and funding of the BID.

Over the past four years, Peterborough Positive has delivered a wide range of projects and initiatives focused on supporting businesses, promoting the city centre, and strengthening Peterborough as a place to work, visit and invest.

The current term of the Peterborough Positive Business Improvement District (BID) will conclude in March 2027. As a result, a ballot process was held in 2026, giving local businesses the opportunity to vote on whether the BID should continue to operate for a further five-year term (2027–2032). Voting opened on 19 June 2026 and closed on 16 July 2026.

Result - The proposal for a new term of the Business Improvement District for Peterborough Positive Limited is approved.

Peterborough Positive Limited Declaration of Results242KB–pdf

Size: 242KBFile format: pdf

Business Improvement District (BID) rules

The BID levy is charged on all businesses within the BID area. This is regardless of whether, or how, a business voted in the ballot.

Hereditament - a business premises (land or building) that is subject to rating.

The levy rate to be paid by each property or hereditament is to be calculated as 1.5% of its rateable value as at the 'chargeable day' (notionally 1 April each year)
All properties or hereditaments with a rateable value of £15,000 or more will be liable for payment of the levy
The number of properties or hereditaments liable for the levy is approximately 427
The levy rate will increase annually in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI)
The levy will be charged annually in advance for each chargeable period (April to March each year), starting in April 2022. No refunds will be available on the levy charged. If a rateable value changes (up or down) after the 'chargeable day', the revised levy will be charged as at the next 'chargeable day'
New hereditaments that come onto the ratings list will be charged as at the next 'chargeable day'
The maximum amount payable for any one hereditament is capped at £12,000
The owners of untenanted properties or hereditaments will be liable for payment of the levy
Occupiers within covered shopping or leisure centres that are subject to a service charge will pay 66.66% of the levy that would otherwise apply

Visit the Peterborough Positive website for further details.

Pay your BID levy

Pay by bank transfer

Account details:

Barclays Bank, Peterborough
Sort code - 20-67-45
Account number - 10572918

Please include your invoice number as the payment reference.

Pay by debit card

Pay your BID levy by debit card

Objectives of the Business Improvement District (BID)

We consulted with city centre business owners to compile Peterborough BID's strategic objectives.

Develop a city-wide collaborative approach to entertainment and events
Create high-quality flagship events for all age groups
Celebrate the city, its heritage, arts, culture and youth
Drive footfall and add value to events already scheduled across the city
Create momentum to promote Peterborough as a destination city

Introduce city brand ambassadors to welcome and support tourists and assist visitors
Collaborate with the council and police to monitor crime and anti-social behaviour
Ensure greater effectiveness in identifying, deterring, reporting and taking enforcement action on issues that give rise to public concern about safety, crime and security

Create a robust marketing campaign that:

Promotes the Peterborough Positive brand across the city and beyond
Attracts shoppers, tourists and business investment opportunities

Signposting and navigation to:

Help those new to the city find their way
Highlight key attractions and areas

Both digital and static signage with the opportunity to create 'city quarters' to build the city's credentials for heritage, culture, retail and hospitality.

A communication piece to build better relationships with providers to understand demand across the city. Take into account seasonal adjustments and events.