2027 - 2032 Ballot

A YES vote for the next 5-year BID term is fundamental to the future of St Albans city centre businesses — and it’s a vote you can make with confidence in how your money is managed.

Throughout the current term, the BID has invested every penny of levy payers’ money in creating a vibrant city centre and driving footfall. That careful stewardship is why, in year 1 of the next term, we’re able to reduce the levy rate from 2.19% of rateable value to 1.85% — while still committing approximately £3.1m on behalf of St Albans businesses over the next 5 years.

For a business paying an annual BID levy of £500, the cost is £1.37 a day. Find out what £1.37 delivers here.

The 2027-2032 Business Plan has been shaped by ongoing engagement with levy payers and a business survey carried out in May 2026. You can view the findings here.

Watch our video to find out why St Albans businesses are voting YES to a third term and learn more about what a YES vote means.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on the Business Plan and new priorities for the next five years.

Whether you already know how you intend to vote, want to understand more about the Business Plan or simply have questions you would like answered before making your decision, come and talk to the BID team.

Please join us at our upcoming event:

Tuesday 22 September 7.15 am – 9.00 am at Cosy Club where we are delighted to be sponsoring the St Albans Chamber of Commerce Business Breakfast.

Please book your place here. Booking fees apply. https://www.stalbans-chamber.co.uk/events/september-business-breakfast/

The BID operates independently of St Albans District Council and exists to provide added-value services and enhancements which go beyond the statutory duties of the local authority. This relationship is governed by a formal Operating Agreement, accompanied by annual service baseline agreements, which ensures clarity of roles and enables effective collaboration where appropriate.

The Ballot gives all eligible levy-paying businesses the opportunity to vote. The ballot gives businesses the chance to vote. The election is a simple Yes / No vote for the BID to continue for a third term.  There is no other candidate.  A no vote means that all added-value services and enhancements will end.

The Ballot is run by the Ballot Holder (Amanda Foley, Returning Officer at St Albans City and District Council) and administered independently by Civica Election Services (CES), ensuring the process is conducted in line with statutory regulations and remains fair, transparent and confidential.

• Each eligible levy payer receives one ballot paper (per hereditament)
• Votes are cast by post
• To be successful, the ballot must achieve:

• a majority of votes cast in favour of the BID proposal, and
• a majority of aggregate rateable value of those voting

If successful, the BID will operate for a further five-year term (2027–2032). Levy payers may appoint a proxy to vote on their behalf if required, within the statutory deadlines outlined below.