Still time to vote in Inverness and Loch Ness Tourism Business Improvement District ballot

At the end of January ballot papers were issued to all businesses who were eligible and who would become levy payers and members of the Inverness and Loch Ness Tourism BID. Any businesses who think they are eligible to vote but may not have received their ballot papers, or any electors requiring a replacement ballot must contact The Highland Council’s Election Office on 01463 702945.

The ballot is being conducted entirely by post. For the BID to be successful there must be a minimum of 25% turnout by the number of businesses and by combined rateable value. Of those that vote, over 50% by number and 50% by combined rateable value must vote in favour of the BID.

A Business Improvement District is a partnership between a local authority and the local business community to develop projects and services that will benefit the trading environment within the boundary of a clearly defined commercial area, where businesses have voted to invest collectively in local improvements which will benefit the local economy.

BIDs have a maximum current duration of 5 years, and will either be dissolved at the end of its term or go back to a vote to be renewed by a further ballot of all eligible businesses.

All ballot papers must be returned in the pre-paid envelope provided to the Electoral Reform Services by no later than 5.00 pm on Thursday 13 March 2013. Ballot papers will be counted on Friday 14 March and the result announced on the same day by 5.00pm.

If you require further information on the BID, please contact the BID proposer (Graeme Ambrose, Project Manager, Inverness and Loch Ness Tourism BID, "Evergreen", Inverfarigaig,  IV2 6XR, by email https://www.visitinvernesslochness.com/contact-us/ or Tel 07786358941).  Alternatively, information on the BID is available from https://www.visitinvernesslochness.com/trade/tourism-bid-information/toursim-bid-history/

ENDS

27 Feb 2014