BID general information and account enquiries

What is a BID?

A BID is a company established and run by the business community to deliver services and projects according to the business community. A Business Improvement District (BID) is a precisely defined geographical area within which the businesses agree to contribute additional funding to develop projects and services. This will specifically benefit the trading environment within the defined area of the BID over and above the existing statutory services provided by the Local Authority.

Every business in the BID will benefit from:

• an effective leadership voice for business on operational and strategic issues, keeping business's interests at the top of the political agenda.
• increased footfall and trade, within the city centre, maximising its potential as a destination.
• a cleaner, more attractive and more vibrant city centre environment.
• reduced retail crime and anti-social behaviour.
• a stronger, more diverse retail and leisure offer.
• a better marketed and promoted city centre.
• additional, levered-in investment.

Who is liable to pay a BID levy?

Any person, company, charity or non profit making organisation who is the occupier or leaseholder or where the property is empty and a lease does not exist, the owner, of the non domestic rated property within the BID area is liable for the BID levy.

Before the start of each financial year we will send a BID levy bill on behalf of the BID company. The levy is paid direct to Newcastle City Council on 1 April each year or for new occupiers within 14 days of the bill being sent to you.

Or to make a payment please phone the automated payment centre on 0845 111 4199 to pay by debit or credit card available
24 hours, seven days a week. 

How long does a BID levy last for?

NE1 was launched as an independent limited company on 1 April 2009. It was created following a successful statutory vote by Newcastle's business community and was established for an initial five year term. NE1 secured a third five year term following a positive BID renewal vote held in October 2018 in which the city's businesses voted 88% in favour. NE1's third term commences on 1 April 2019 and expires on 31 March 2024.

How is the BID levy calculated?

The BID levy is 1% of the Rateable Value (RV) adjusted for inflation on all eligible properties with a RV of £20,000 or more.

Rateable Value increases

If your Rateable Value is increased you will be invoiced for any additional amount due for the financial year in which the Schedule of Amendment is received. It will not be backdated to a previous financial year.

Rateable Value decreases

If your Rateable Value is reduced you will be refunded any amount overpaid for the financial year in which the Schedule of Amendment is received.

How to pay your bill

Pay online - available 24 hours, seven days a week.

Or phone the automated payment centre on 0845 111 4199 to pay by debit or credit card available 24 hours, seven days a week. 

At a bank: Payment should be made at least four clear working days before the date your payment is due. Payment can no longer be made using Bank Giro, but you may be able to set up automated payment if you have telephone banking or payment facilities using your bank's cash machines.

For automatic transfer. Your bank may arrange for you to pay by this method but they may charge for this service.

Bank: Lloyds Bank Plc. Newcastle upon Tyne
Sort Code: 30-93-71
Account Name: Newcastle City Council Account
Account Number: 63352060
BID's Reference Number: Please quote full 8 digit reference number.

Changes in liability

The BID is calculated as a daily charge and will correspond with commencement and termination of liability for Non-Domestic Rates, as determined by Rating Statute.

To advise us of a change in liability, please write to us at:

Business rates
Newcastle City Council
Civic Centre
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 8QH

Or email bidsadmin@newcastle.gov.uk

Exemptions and Reliefs

The BID levy is payable on all properties within the BID area whether they are occupied or empty. No allowances will be made for Listed Buildings, Serviced buildings or those in receipt of mandatory and/or discretionary rate relief.

Charitable Walk-in Advice Centres are exempt from paying the levy.

Only properties with a Rateable Value higher that £20,000 pay the BID levy, if you have any queries regarding the RV of your property then contact the District Valuer at http://www.gov.uk/

What happens if I do not  pay?

We will send you a reminder for non payment, you will then have 14 days from the date on the reminder to pay. If the BID levy remains unpaid after 14 days a final notice will be issued, followed by a Summons. Court costs may be incurred at this stage. The Summons will state payment has to be received before the court date, if it is not paid a Liability Order will be obtained and further costs will be incurred. If you pay the amount shown on the Summons before the court date, no further action will be taken.

If you are unable to pay in full immediately, please contact us to discuss an arrangement for payment on the understanding that the application for a Liability Order and additional costs will proceed. In these cases we will not take any further action on the Liability Order if the arrangement is kept.

Customer Services

We can send out documentation in large print, Braille or on audio version.

Complaints

We aim to provide high-quality services for all our customers but we realise that things can sometimes go wrong. We need to know when you are not happy with our service.

If you want to complain about a service provided by NE1 phone 0191 211 3951.

If you are unhappy with the response to your complaint you can ask for it to be investigated more formally. Similarly, if you feel unhappy at any stage with how the City Council is dealing with your complaint, you can ask the Commissioner for Local Administration in England - known as the Ombudsman - to investigate the matter.

Contact us

Email: bidsadmin@newcastle.gov.uk

Fax: 0191 277 4762

Write to us at:
Business rates
Newcastle City Council
Civic Centre
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 8QH

Please quote your BID account reference in all correspondence to us.