Consultation
8.The Department consulted on proposals for business improvement districts between 01 December 2010 and 28 February 2011 and received 37 written responses.
9.From the responses received it is clear that there is an overwhelming support for the introduction of business improvement districts in Northern Ireland. Of the 37 responses received 35 (95%) were very supportive, feeling that the BID model would facilitate local businesses to work in partnership with local government in addressing issues impacting on the viability and vitality of town centres.
10.The main area of concern raised in the consultation related to responsibility for the billing, collection and enforcement of the BID levy. The Department had proposed in its consultation paper that this should be handled at local council level. However, a significant percentage of respondents suggested that this responsibility would be better placed with Land and Property Services (LPS) which currently carries out a similar role in its collection of the annual rates. Following discussions with the Department of Finance and Personnel (DFP), it has been agreed that LPS will take on a role in the administration of the BID levy, the details of which will be set out in secondary legislation and guidance from the Department.
11.The Act has been developed in consultation with DOE, DFP and DOJ in recognition of the overlap with their areas of policy responsibility.