09 Oct 2026
St Albans businesses have voted in favour of a third five-year term for St Albans City Centre BID, securing continued investment in the city centre from April 1 2027 to March 31 2032.
The result of the BID ballot was announced today (Friday), by BID manager Vivien Cannon following anindependently administered ballot of eligible levy-paying businesses.
Out of 544 levy-paying businesses, 192 ballot papers were returned (35.3 per cent), with 80.2 per cent of votes cast in favour.
For the ballot to be successful, the BID proposal was required to achieve a majority both by number of votes cast and by the aggregate rateable value represented by those voting.
The BID’s 2027–2032 Business Plan was shaped through ongoing engagement with levy-paying businesses, including a May 2026 business survey which received 187 responses.
It is built around three priorities: Celebrated – A Promoted St Albans City, Supported – A Thriving & Connected Community, and Welcoming – A Safe, Attractive & Sustainable City.
Approximately £3.1 million will be committed on behalf of St Albans businesses over the five-year term. The levy rate will reduce from 2.19 per cent to 1.85 per cent of rateable value in year one.
Vivien said after the result was announced “First and foremost, thank you to every business that took the time to vote, ask questions and engage with us throughout theballot.
“We are delighted that businesses have backed a third term and we know that support comes with a responsibility to deliver, and that is where our focus now turns.
“The Business Plan reflects what businesses told us matters to them and over the next five years we will continue listening, working with our levy payers and partners, and making sure the investment businesses make through the BID creates additionality for St Albans city centre.
“We are incredibly proud of what has been achieved over the past 10 years and very much looking forward to the next chapter.”
Sarah Gillow, chair and director of St Albans City Centre BID and Director of Galio Jewellers, said: “As a levy-paying business myself, I know this was an important decision for businesses
across the city centre. Thank you to everyone who voted and had their say.
“The board will now work with the BID team and our levy payers to deliver the commitments in the Business Plan and make sure businesses continue to have a strong voice in the future of our city centre.”
