The Ballot closes in:
Ballot FAQS
What is St Albans City Centre Business Improvement District (BID)?
It is a business led ‘not for profit’ limited company, it is NOT a local council or a political party.
Can I vote for an alternative organisation?
NO there is no alternative organisation for St Albans.
Who votes for St Albans BID?
There are 544 businesses (hereditaments) in the BID area of the city centre, the BID area map is in the business plan. Every business has a single vote.
When is the final date to vote?
Your completed ballot paper must be received by 5 pm on Thursday 8 October 2026. To allow sufficient time for First Class post, we recommend returning your ballot paper by 5 October. Your ballot paper cannot be returned by email.
What am I voting for?
The priorities set by St Albans City Centre BID are explained in the business plan, these were agreed following engagement with the BID businesses in May 2026.
Where will I find the business plan?
This will be issued with the notice of Ballot, delivered by hand to the premises and shared on our website www.stalbansbid.com
What is the total annual budget from the collective levy payments?
In year one this will amount to £595,920 to be reinvested in the city centre, focusing on the priorities identified in the business plan. Over the five year term this will amount to a total of £3,163,819.
How much is my levy (financial contribution)?
If St Albans City Centre BID is voted in you will pay a levy relating to the scale of your business rates (rateable value). You will only be required to pay the levy if your rateable value is in excess of £12,000. If this is the case, in year one of the second term (2022-2023), you will pay a levy equal to 1.85% of your business rates. This will increase annually by 3%.
Where does my levy payment go?
Your levy is collected by St Albans District Council finance team on behalf of St Albans BID Ltd. This money is transferred to the BID when received by the Council, on a monthly basis.
Where does my business rates payment go?
Your business rates are collected by St Albans District Council finance team on behalf of central government. This money is transferred to central government.
What is the Ballot period?
Ballot papers will be dispatched on 7 th September 2026 and the closing date for receipt of the Ballot papers will be 8 th October 2026 at 5pm
What will be a positive outcome for the BID?
A majority of votes cast in favour; and
A majority of the aggregate rateable value represented by those voting in favour.
When will the new BID term start and finish?
On 1 st April 2027 until 31 st March 2032.