Westmorland and Furness Council’s cabinet has agreed to give its support to extending the Barrow Business Improvement District for another five years.
This means the council will use its vote to support the extension in the ballot, which closes on June 25.
Westmorland and Furness Council leader and portfolio holder for strategic partnerships and economy 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 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 June 25.
If the upcoming vote is successful, the BID will be extended for the period of 2026 to 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/
See the Barrow BID Notice of Ballot here: https://www.westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk/voting-and-elections/barrow-business-improvement-district-ballot
