Поддержка бизнеса в Кливдоне может прекратиться из-за внутренних разногласий

A business group supporting Clevedon firms could shut after years of bitter division over its future. Discover Clevedon, also known as Clevedon Business Improvement District (BID), is consulting businesses on whether to end the scheme. Businesses paying the compulsory levy have until August 28 to give their views. A Discover Clevedon board spokesperson told North Somerset Times: “We have written to all levy payers to notify them of a formal six-week consultation on a proposal to terminate the current BID arrangements. “This is a consultation only, and no final decision has yet been made. “The Board has undertaken a detailed review of the BID's financial position, levy collection performance and governance arrangements. “Following that review, the Board concluded that the current operating arrangements no longer provide sufficient certainty, transparency or financial sustainability for the BID to continue operating responsibly.” A letter to levy payers, seen by North Somerset Times, said the proposal has not been reached lightly. The board said rising levels of non-payment, high collection costs and a lack of account-level levy information have reduced the money available. It also blamed “ongoing obstruction and divisiveness caused by the anti-BID campaign”. The board said the problems could leave it unable to deliver projects and services promised to businesses. But the No To Clevedon BID campaign welcomed the proposal and urged the board to end the scheme. The campaign said the BID had become “deeply divisive” and questioned its transparency, accountability and value for money. It said: “Ending the BID offers the best chance for businesses across all areas of Clevedon to reunite, collaborate and move forward constructively.” The group said it would back credible alternatives only if they were voluntary and involved no compulsory levies. Read next Clevedon BID was set up in 2018 to support businesses, improve the town and promote it as a destination. Businesses voted to renew it in 2023, and its second term is due to run until 2028. The BID board said it was proud of its projects and still supported the wider BID model. If the board proceeds after considering responses, it will formally notify North Somerset Council under BID regulations. The BID is a private limited company, and North Somerset Council collects its levy from businesses within the area paying at least £5,000 a year in business rates.