We are asking businesses to provide your up to date contact details to ensure the details we hold about your premises is correct and ultimately, who should receive the ballot paper, as later this year we will be inviting you to vote on a new term for the Retail & Leisure BID.

Update your details, here.

The ballot will be conducted entirely by post by the Independent Scrutineer, Civica Election Services (CES) of The Election Centre, 33 Clarendon Road, London N8 0NW.

Ballot Papers will be sent to those eligible to vote on the BID Ballot for return to Civica by no later than 5pm on the 12th April 2023.

The person eligible to vote should put a cross (X) in the box of his/her choice. “Yes” to vote in favour of the proposed BID or “No” to vote against. The voter must then sign the ballot paper, write their name in block capitals and write their position in the company or partnership.

Persons eligible to vote in the ballot will be the non-domestic ratepayer listed on the Council’s database for each hereditament (business premise) situated in the geographical area of the proposed BID as at the date of this Notice.

Each person entitled to vote in this ballot shall have one vote in respect of each hereditament occupied or (if unoccupied) owned by them in the geographical area of the proposed BID.

Persons eligible to vote in the ballot will be the non-domestic ratepayer listed on the Council’s database for each hereditament (business premise) situated in the geographical area of the proposed BID as at the date of this Notice.

Each person entitled to vote in this ballot shall have one vote in respect of each hereditament occupied or (if unoccupied) owned by them in the geographical area of the proposed BID.

If a ballot paper has not been received  you may apply to Civica Election Services for a replacement paper in writing by supplying ONE of the following:

a) A letter in hard copy form along with the appropriate ‘evidence of identity’; or
b) A scan of both the letter and the ‘evidence of identity’ attached to an email;

The letter should be addressed to The Independent Scrutineer, Civica Election Services, The Election Centre,
33 Clarendon Road, London N8 0NW. Alternatively, you can email bids@cesvotes.com. The letter must be signed by the Eligible Voter and evidence of the voter’s identity must be provided in the form of ONE of the following:

a) A signed Letterhead for the appropriate company; or
b) A signed photocopy of the National Non-Domestic Rating Bill for the hereditament; or
c) A signed photocopy of an item of personal ID such as a Passport or Driving Licence.

Please do not send original copies of ID or Bills.

If you inadvertently spoil your ballot paper in such a manner that it cannot be conveniently used as a ballot paper, please return it to Civica Election Services on The Independent Scrutineer, Civica Election Services, The Election Centre, 33 Clarendon Road, London N8 0NW.

On receipt of the spoilt ballot paper, Civica Election Services will issue a replacement. No replacements can be issued if the spoilt ballot paper is received by Civica Election Services later than three working days before the day of the ballot.

Ballot papers will be counted on 13th April 2023 and the result of the ballot will be announced shortly after.

For a BID ballot to be successful there must be a majority of those voting in favour of the proposal, and those voting in favour must represent a majority of the aggregate rateable value of the hereditaments voting.

If a ballot paper is duplicated and two are returned bearing the same number or barcode both will be void and not counted. Any ballot papers that are returned unsigned, unmarked or that are void for uncertainty will also be void and not counted.

For further information about the BID Ballot, please email ballot@liverpoolbidcompany.com or call 0151 703 2399.

What is the difference between the Retail and Leisure, Culture & Commerce and Accommodation BID?

The Accommodation BID is not boundary-led like the other BID’s, but instead all of Liverpool’s hotels, serviced apartments and accommodation providers are included. This means from the city centre to the airport everyone will be involved. How are BID’s governed?

Liverpool’s three existing BID’s are each overseen by an operating board who ensure what’s delivered is in line with the business plan. They approve their budget and the main projects, which are delivered by the BID team. Both boards include members representing the sectors and areas present within each BID. There is also an Executive BID board that oversees strategy for the organisation, finances, company structure, and major long term decisions. BID executive board members include the chair and deputy chairs of each BID board and a representation of the leadership and make stakeholders in Liverpool City Centre. Board members support the BID on a voluntary, unpaid basis.