16/06/2026
✅ Cabinet agrees vote in favour of extending Barrow BID
Westmorland and Furness Council’s Cabinet has agreed to give its support to extending the Barrow Business Improvement District (BID) for another five years.
This means the council will use its vote to support the extension in the ballot, which closes on 25 June.
Westmorland and Furness Council Leader and Portfolio Holder for Strategic Partnerships and Economy, Cllr Jonathan Brook, said: “Barrow BID has achieved much in its first two terms and has an ambitious plan for the future. Town centres face increasing challenges, but the committed board and team have found meaningful and impactful ways to make a difference. Events have included Dino Day and the Festival of Transport. While initiatives have covered community planting and the introduction of street rangers.
"As a council, we are committed to encouraging sustainable and inclusive economic growth. BIDs such as Barrow’s, play an important role in stimulating their local economies. That’s why I’m delighted that the Westmorland and Furness Council Cabinet, was able to offer its unanimous support for a third term of action.”
The council also manages the ballot process in accordance with the BID Regulations. For a BID to be established, a ballot has to be taken and all eligible business ratepayers within the defined area are entitled to vote.
Ballot papers have been sent to eligible businesses, with the ballot closing on 25 June
If the upcoming vote is successful, the BID will be extended for the period of 2026-2031 and will be funded by a BID Levy that is charged in addition to standard business rates.
A BID is a defined area, whose businesses pay an additional levy on top of the business rates to fund projects within the BID area. A board made up from local businesses runs Barrow BID, working together with businesses across the BID area to improve trading conditions in the town. The BID also works closely with Westmorland and Furness Council and other partners.
Find out more about Barrow BID and its 2026-31 business plan for a third term at: https://barrowbid.co.uk/
The plan highlights achievements such as the Visit Barrow brand and website, social media presence, newsletter, community planting and environmental improvements, festive lighting, Christmas tree scheme, grant support for businesses and events, Barrow Buzz app and awards, and events such as Dino Day, Dave Day, Festival of Transport and Soapbox Derby.
It also details how its key focus areas for its third term would be increasing footfall, dwell time and spend by positioning Barrow as an active, attractive and distinctive destination for shopping, leisure and events, changing perceptions and creating a welcoming town centre and supporting business resilience and growth.
See the Barrow BID Notice of Ballot here: https://www.westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk/voting-and-elections/barrow-business-improvement-district-ballot
