A consultation has been held with Winchester BID members who were invited to contribute to the development of a Business Plan for a Fourth Term of the Winchester Business Improvement District (BID) 2023-2028. Copies of the final business plan will be sent by post to those eligible to vote in the BID ballot during week commencing Monday 12 September 2022 and the Notice of Ballot from Winchester City Council will be sent by post on Tuesday 20 September 2022. If you have any questions about the ballot please contact us, or alternatively the answer to your question might be here.
Do I need to return the proxy form to vote?
The proxy form is to be used if you want to appoint someone else to vote on your behalf. Applications to appoint a proxy must be submitted to the Ballot Holder at the address shown on the form not later than 5pm on Monday 24 October 2022.
Will the BID levy increase in the new term of the BID?
No, from April 2023 the BID levy rate to be paid by each property or hereditament in the BID area will remain at 1.5% of its rateable value as at 1 April annually throughout the fourth term. No inflation will be applied during the lifetime of the BID’s fourth term.
I have not received a copy of the business plan. Does that mean I will not be eligible to vote?
Not necessarily. The business plans have been posted to the person believed to be the voter for your business. For national businesses, this may have been directed to a head office. If you believe you are the voter and have not received a business plan, please contact: enquiries@winchesterbid.co.uk.
When will ballot papers arrive?
Ballot papers will be posted to eligible voters by Winchester City Council on Tuesday 4 October 2022.
How long do I have to vote?
The ballot is a postal ballot and closes at 5pm on Thursday 3 November 2022. Your ballot paper must reach Winchester City Council by then to be counted.
I have more than one property within the BID area. Should I just send back one ballot paper?
No, each property or hereditament in the BID area will have a separate ballot paper and corresponding envelope. If multiple ballot papers are returned in one envelope, only one will be counted. The ballot papers must be submitted in their separate corresponding envelopes to ensure they are all counted. Our ballot video at the bottom of this page provides a useful guide on how to vote.
I have not received my ballot paper. What should I do?
If you or your appointed proxy do not receive a ballot paper by Friday 28 October 2022, you may apply in writing to the Ballot Holder at Winchester City Council for a replacement. Evidence as to your identity will be required. Please contact: ereg@winchester.gov.uk.
I have spoilt my ballot paper. What should I do?
If you have spoilt your ballot paper, return it to the Ballot Holder, Winchester City Council, City Offices, Colebrook Street, Winchester, SO23 9LJ not later than Monday 31 October 2022 and you will be issued with a replacement.
How does the vote work?
For the ballot to be successful there must be a simple majority of those voting in favour of the proposals, both in terms of the numbers voting and also the rateable value represented by those voting.
When and where will the outcome be announced?
Ballot papers will be counted and the result declared on Friday 4 November 2022. The result will be published at the offices of Winchester City Council and online on the Winchester City Council website here: winchester.gov.uk/business
For more information visit our ballot 2022 page or if you have any additional questions, please contact: paul.spencer@winchesterbid.co.uk.
Video: A short guide on how to vote in the Winchester BID ballot.
