Business Improvement Districts (BID) are created where local businesses see the opportunity to invest collectively, by way of a levy, to help make local improvements which will benefit the local community.

They are developed, managed and paid for by the business sector, through a compulsory BID levy, which the businesses within the proposed BID area must vote in favour of before the BID can be established.

Each business liable to contribute to the BID will be able to vote on whether or not the BID goes ahead.

The BID ballot process

This is a confidential postal ballot commissioned by the Ballot Holder. The BID ballot procedure is conducted in accordance with the Business Improvement (Scotland) Regulations 2007.

For the BID to be successful, there must be a minimum of 25 per cent turnout by the number of businesses and by combined rateable value. Of those that vote, over 50 per cent by number, and 50 per cent by combined rateable value, must vote in favour of the BID.

BID's operate on a term by term basis. They have a maximum of five years per term, before having to develop a fresh set of proposals which are then subjected to a further ballot (renewal ballot) of businesses in the BID Area.

St Andrews Renewal BID

A ballot was held to propose the renewal of the Business Improvement District (BID) for St Andrews for a period of 5 years (2026-2031).

The ballot result can be found here - St Andrews BID ballot result.