What is a Business Improvement District (BID)
A Business Improvement District (BID) is a defined area where business rate payers have voted in a ballot to pay a levy, in addition to business rates, into a fund for a fixed period (normally five years), and that levy is then managed to deliver specific agreed initiatives to benefit the BID area.
BID proposal
In September 2025, we received a proposal for a BID in Carlisle, with an instruction to hold a ballot. The ballot was held between 30 October to 27 November 2025.
The BID area covers the urban area of Carlisle, incorporating the urban wards of Belah, Stanwix Urban, Botcherby, Harraby North, Harraby South, Upperby, Currock, Denton Holme, Castle, Morton, Yewdale and Belle Vue. The BID area also incorporates parts of the Houghton and Irthington, Wetheral and Dalston and Burgh wards that lie closest to the urban area.
Result of the ballot
The results of the ballot were announced on Friday 28 November 2025.
Total number of votes cast in the ballot (excluding any given on ballot papers rejected) was 234
Aggregate rateable value of each hereditament in respect of which a person voted in the ballot was £11,509,550
Total number of votes cast in favour of the Carlisle Business Improvement District (BID) Ballot was 128
Aggregate rateable value of each hereditament in respect of which a person voting in the ballot has voted in favour of the Carlisle Business Improvement District (BID) Ballot was £7,477,750
A majority of the Business ratepayers in the proposed BID area who voted, voted for the proposal, both by aggregate rateable value and numbers voting and therefore, the proposal for the Great Border City Business Improvement District (BID) was approved.
Levy Charge
Following the successful ballot result in favour of the creation of the Great Border City BID, a levy will be charged annually for each chargeable period 1 February to 31 January each year starting in 2026 for a period of five years.
Cumberland Council is collecting the levy on behalf of the Great Border City Business Improvement District. This is to ensure that funds into the Great Border City BID remain stable to support delivery of the activities set out in their manifesto. You can find out more information at The Great Border City
Only business rate payers whose properties have a Rateable Value of £15,000 or more will be eligible for payment of the levy. The levy payable is 1.58% of their rateable value. The levy amount will not exceed £15,000 in any year. Any business rate payers with more than one property, will have their total levy capped at £15,000 annually. Organisations receiving charitable relief on business rates will be charged at the lower rate of 1.0% of rateable value.
Payment is due for the full year in one instalment. Should you sell or vacate the property before the end of the chargeable year, no refund will be made. The Levy bills are separate from, and in addition to, a Business Rates charge.
The activity on which the revenue from the BID levy will be spent
The levy collected will be used to deliver a five-year programme of activity focused on:
- animation: developing and delivering an annual programme of festivals, public art, and cultural events to boost footfall and civic pride.
- marketing: developing and delivering strategic campaigns to position Carlisle as a destination for tourism, investment, and talent.
- supporting businesses: developing and delivering tailored services for start-ups and SMEs, including training, networking, and advocacy.
- improving livability: developing and delivering projects to enhance public spaces, safety, and wellbeing to attract and retain skilled workers.
Who to contact
For further information on the Great Border City Business Improvement District, its business plan and aims for the next five years, contact the Great Border City BID team.
For a query on the rateable value used for your Levy Bill, contact Cumberland Council’s Revenues Team online or call 01228 817234.
For a query regarding payment of your Levy Bill, Contact Cumberland Council’s Accounts Receivable Team by calling 01228 479800.To make an online payment, visit Pay your invoice online