In North Hertfordshire there are three towns with Business Improvement Districts (BIDs). BIDs are formalised partnerships funded by local ratepayers with an agreed strategy and action plan for improvement. They are operated with, but independently of, the Council.
The BIDs include members from various organisations such as retailers, businesses, public sector organisations, voluntary and community groups, all of whom have an interest in their town centre.
| Town | BID name | Contact details |
|---|---|---|
| Hitchin | Hitchin Business Improvement District | Web: visithitchin.com Email: info@hitchinherts.com Tel: 01462 453335 |
| Letchworth | LoveLetchworth BID Company | Web: www.loveletchworth.com Email: bid@loveletchworth.com Tel: 01462 486999 |
| Royston | Royston First BID | Web: www.roystonfirst.com Email: info@roystonfirst.com Tel: 01763 878242 |
BID levy
We are responsible for the billing and collection of the BID levy on behalf of the BID companies.
Each BID begins a new 5-year term from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2029.
Billing
Annual bills are issued with one instalment. This is generally due on 1 April.
If you occupy a property after 1 April, you will receive a proportional bill and the instalment will generally be due on the 1st of the next month.
Pay by direct debit
You can pay the BID levy by direct debit:
You will receive an amended bill to reflect your payment date.
Direct debits can only be set up on the 1st of the month.
If you need more time to pay and need an instalment plan, please email businessrates@north-herts.gov.uk and we can discuss this with you.
If you do not pay your BID Levy
If payment is not made we will issue a reminder notice, giving a further 14 days to make the payment. If the reminder notice is not paid, the council can make an application to the court for the issue of a court summons - this will add £30 costs to your account.
If the amount is not paid in full, including costs, by the hearing date on the court summons, the court will issue a liability order. If a liability order has been awarded and the balance remains unpaid, the council can pass your account to an external enforcement agent to collect. This will add further statutory fees to your account.
We are here to help you - if you're struggling to make a payment, please contact us at the earliest opportunity.
Request a refund
If you have overpaid your BID levy and have received a credit bill, you can request a refund.
Town centre recovery and development plans
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, North Herts Council commissioned studies into each of our four town centres to establish evidence bases for the development of town programmes and strategies. Each study gives suggestions for potential projects that could be taken forward within a development strategy framework and potential governance structures to manage the programmes and projects that could assist the town centre in developing successfully over the next decade.
Each town centre study is available to view below: