Against Carlisle BID

05/06/2026

05/06/2026

https://www.in-cumbria.com/news/26164202.carlisle-bid-responds-demands-new-ballot/?ref=cprfa

Response to the In-Cumbria Article Regarding Carlisle BID

We are disappointed that this is now the second article published regarding Carlisle BID where BID representatives have been given the opportunity to put forward their views, yet those representing businesses with concerns have not been contacted for comment. Balanced reporting should allow all sides of a significant local issue to be heard.

We are also surprised by the tone adopted by Carlisle BID’s Directors throughout this process. Many levy payers will view the repeated dismissal of legitimate concerns as demonstrating a lack of willingness to engage constructively with businesses who are funding the BID.

“The Carlisle ballot was not challenged and since that period has now expired no mechanism exists for this ballot to be re-run.”

We do not dispute that BID legislation allows a declared ballot result to stand once the formal challenge period has expired.

However, what is misleading is the suggestion that there is no mechanism available for businesses to be consulted again. BID regulations provide flexibility for BID companies to engage with levy payers during the five-year term and seek their views on whether services remain supported and required. Other BID areas have undertaken further consultation exercises and votes where significant concerns have existed.

The real issue is not whether a legal challenge remains possible. The issue is whether the Directors are willing to seek a fresh mandate from businesses now that awareness of the BID, its costs and its proposals is significantly greater than it was during the original ballot process.

Given that only a relatively small proportion of eligible businesses voted in favour, many levy payers will understandably question why the Directors appear unwilling to test current levels of support through a voluntary consultation or vote.

“Most BIDs take time to establish themselves and there is no compulsion to rush delivery before the organisation is established and has the funds to do so.”

Businesses paying into the BID will naturally expect to see evidence of progress and delivery.

It is our understanding that levy collection began some time ago and that substantial sums have already been collected on behalf of the BID. Businesses are therefore entitled to ask reasonable questions regarding timescales, priorities and what tangible benefits they can expect to see delivered.

Requesting accountability for how levy funds are being used is not unreasonable; it is exactly what levy payers should be doing.

“At the moment, until we are up and running…”

Many businesses may find this statement surprising.

The ballot took place several months ago, the BID formally commenced on 1 February, and planning for implementation would have been underway long before that date.

Levy payers are therefore entitled to ask what progress has been made to date and when the projects outlined in the BID proposal will begin to materialise.

“Our focus will be on the remainder of the term and ensuring that the monies we receive are invested carefully and in the interests of the wider business community.”

Every levy payer wants to see investment that benefits Carlisle.

However, if the Directors genuinely wish to represent the wider business community, they should be prepared to listen to the growing number of businesses expressing concerns about the BID and its mandate.

The simplest way to demonstrate confidence in their position would be to undertake a meaningful consultation with all levy payers and allow businesses to clearly express whether they believe the BID remains the right vehicle for delivering support and investment in Carlisle.

Businesses are not asking to be ignored. They are asking to be heard.

That is a reasonable request from the people who are funding the organisation.

In-Cumbria Magazine Cumberland Council News & Star / The Cumberland News ITV Border

Directors of the recently-installed Carlisle Business Improvement District (BID) have rejected calls for a new vote from “concerned” anti-BID…

03/06/2026

https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/against-carlisle-bid-levy?source=web_share_api&utm_medium=socialshare&utm_source=web_share_api&share=7171dbc8-ec3a-4f8c-818d-a0c8d241c387

From our perspective as local businesses, we are already facing rising costs, economic pressure, and ongoing uncertainty, and the proposed BID levy only adds to that burden. Many of us feel we have not been properly listened to, and that this scheme does not reflect the day-to-day realities we face....

29/05/2026

A copy of a letter sent today to The Bid Board, Council & MP’s

To Whom It May Concern,

We are writing on behalf of many concerned businesses across Carlisle to call for a fresh and transparent vote regarding the BID.

Since the original ballot process, it has become increasingly clear that a significant number of businesses either did not receive voting information , were unaware of the full implications of the BID, or did not have access to the level of detail and transparency that has only emerged since the result was announced.

As a reminder out of 977 hereditaments, 234 votes were cast at a percentage of only 24%, this is lower than the previous lowest recorded turnout of the YORKSHIRE Coast BID of 29%.
In Scotland and Ireland the minimum turnout percentage has to be 25%.
The final figure is the fact that only 13% voted yes.

The reliability of postal delivery has been widely questioned, and many levy-paying businesses now feel they were not given a fair or fully informed opportunity to participate in a decision that directly affects them financially.

In addition, concerns continue to circulate within the business community regarding the integrity and transparency of the voting process itself. While it is important not to make unproven allegations, the level of uncertainty and suspicion surrounding how the ballot was managed has created significant mistrust amongst businesses. These concerns alone demonstrate the need for a renewed and independently transparent vote in order to restore confidence and credibility in the process.

Over recent months, further information regarding operational plans, projected spending, governance, and future direction has become publicly available. As awareness has grown, so too has the level of confusion, concern, and scepticism amongst the very businesses expected to fund the BID.

A renewed vote would provide an opportunity to restore confidence, improve transparency, and ensure the outcome genuinely reflects the current views of the business community. Proceeding without revisiting the ballot risks continued division, ongoing disputes, and a lack of trust in the process moving forward.

If the BID is to succeed and operate without constant disruption or uncertainty, then giving businesses a clear, informed, and fair opportunity to vote again is the most reasonable and democratic way forward.

This is not about preventing progress for Carlisle. It is about ensuring that any initiative funded by local businesses has the confidence, backing, and legitimacy of those who are required to pay for it.

We respectfully urge all relevant parties to carefully consider the growing concerns being raised and support a fair and transparent re-ballot in the interests of the wider business community and the future of Carlisle city centre.

Yours faithfully,

For a Fairer Carlisle

21/05/2026

20/05/2026

IMPORTANT FOR CARLISLE BUSINESSES

We know many business owners won’t be able to attend the BID meeting this Friday at 5pm.

With it being:

• A Bank Holiday weekend
• The start of May half term
• And 5pm still within working hours for many

…it simply isn’t a realistic time for a lot of businesses.

If you can’t attend, please make your voice heard another way.

We are encouraging all businesses to email the BID directly and request a second meeting:

[email protected]

And also copy in:
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]

So that both the BID and the council are fully aware of the voice of Carlisle’s businesses.

Ask for:
• More notice
• A more suitable time
• A meeting that allows more businesses to attend and be heard

This affects your business for the next 5 years — your voice matters.

Let’s make sure all businesses have a fair opportunity to be part of the conversatio

14/05/2026

MANY BUSINESSES WERE FURIOUS ABOUT THE PROPOSED £80,000 PLUS BID SALARY

When businesses first heard that around 10% of the BID money could go on a single chief executive salary, there was a huge backlash from local businesses.

Now, it has been confirmed that the role has been reconsidered because it “looked awful” and “seemed excessive” while the BID is not yet fully operational.

So businesses were right to question it.

But many are now asking another question…

How many months down the line are we, and there is still:
• No manager in place
• No full board in place
• No visible projects
• No clear structure businesses can see

Yet businesses are already receiving invoices for the levy.

Carlisle businesses deserve:
✔ Transparency
✔ Accountability
✔ Clear communication
✔ Confidence that levy money will be spent wisely

If businesses are funding this BID, they have every right to ask questions about how it is being run from the very beginning.