Surrey Heath Borough Council has declared its support for the Collectively Camberley Business Improvement District (BID) as it looks to renew its term for another five years.
At the latest Executive meeting on 19 May, the Executive resolved to vote in favour of the re-election of the BID in the upcoming ballot, and endorsed its plan for a new term.
It was also confirmed that Surrey Heath Portfolio Holder for Property & Economic Development Cllr Kel Finan-Cooke will continue in the role of BID board member on behalf of the council.
The current BID term is set to expire in October 2026. All eligible businesses in the BID area have a vote in the upcoming ballot to decide whether Collectively Camberley will be re-elected for a fourth term.
Collectively Camberley is a not-for-profit business-led and business-funded BID for Camberley. They deliver initiatives beyond those normally provided by the local authority, including events like Camberley Car Show and Armed Forces Day, town centre Christmas lights, visual improvements and marketing.
The BID provides important support and promotion for businesses within the BID area which in turn boosts the economic prosperity of the town centre. The BID also acts as a collective voice for businesses with bodies like the council, Police and other key partners.
The BID is funded by a mandatory levy on the business rates of all eligible organisations that occupy properties in the BID area. The council collects the BID levy as part of the collection of business rates, for which service a fee is charged to the BID. It was agreed at the meeting that a change would be made to the way this fee is calculated, to ensure the council’s costs of annual billing and collection are fully covered.
Surrey Heath Borough Council Leader Cllr Shaun Macdonald said: “This decision clearly demonstrates the council’s support for Collectively Camberley and its business plan.
"We share a commitment to continuing to make the town centre a vibrant, welcoming and modern hub featuring independent shopping, a wide choice of dining options, popular events and top-class leisure facilities.
“The BID provides many benefits to businesses in Camberley town centre which have a positive effect on the wider area, and we strongly endorse their re-election.
“I urge all eligible businesses to use their vote in the upcoming ballot to continue the excellent work of the BID.”