01 Oct 2026
With just over a week to go in the St Albans City Centre BID ballot, levy-paying businesses are being urged to use their vote before the ballot closes at 5pm on Thursday October 8.
Businesses across St Albans City Centre have been sharing their reasons for voting yes for a third five-year BID term, as the ballot enters its final stages.
The proposed 2027–2032 Business Plan sets out approximately £3.1 million of investment on behalf of St Albans businesses over the next five years and has been shaped around three priorities identified following engagement with levy-paying businesses:
Celebrated – A Promoted St Albans City;
Supported – A Thriving and Connected Community;
Welcoming – A Safe, Attractive and Sustainable City.
It also responds to the financial pressures facing businesses, with the levy rate proposed to be reduced from 2.19 per cent to 1.85 per cent of rateable value in the first year of the third term.
“Please make sure you use your vote”
Vivien Cannon, BID Manager at St Albans City Centre BID, said: “This is an important decision for our city centre businesses, and I would really encourage every levy payer to make sure they use their vote.
“The Business Plan has been shaped by feedback from businesses about their priorities for the city centre and what they want to see from a third BID term. If there is anything you’re still unsure about, please talk to us. We want businesses to have the information they need to make an informed decision.
“Most importantly, please don’t leave your ballot paper sitting on your desk until the last minute. Completed ballot papers must be received by 5pm on October 8 using the enclosed pre-paid first-class envelope, and we recommend returning yours by October 5 to make sure it arrives in time.
“If you haven’t received your ballot paper, please get in touch with us as soon as possible. We can talk you through how to request a replacement so you don’t miss the opportunity to vote.”
Have you received your ballot paper?
Ballot papers were sent out on September 7, and the ballot is being independently administered by Civica Election Services.
If your ballot paper hasn’t arrived, you can request a replacement directly from Civica. Replacement papers can be issued from October 2. If you’re unsure what to do, contact the BID team at info@stalbansbid.com and they can talk you through the process.
Completed ballot papers must be received by 5pm on Thursday October 8 2026 and to allow sufficient time for first class post using the enclosed pre-paid envelope, the BID recommends returning ballot papers by October 5. Ballot papers cannot be returned by email.
Businesses can read the full 2027–2032 Business Plan, find answers to ballot questions and contact the BID team through the Ballot Hub: www.stalbansbid.com/bid-ballot/
