Business leader defends improvement district idea

The Hull BID, which is the second biggest in the UK, is facing a revolt ahead of a critical vote on its future, with six companies facing visits by bailiffs for non-payment of the fees.

It was criticised yesterday by the Taxpayer’s Alliance for not benefiting all the companies compelled to participate in the scheme, but now Malcolm Scott, senior partner at Scott’s Property LLP, said he was prepared to take to the streets to argue how important and effective the scheme is.

He said: “I am totally behind Hull BID but I am concerned that some people don’t appreciate the value for money it delivers, and that there is much greater strength with a lot of businesses paying very little than with a few businesses paying a lot. I am prepared to lobby the businesses in the streets around my office and we need to get others to do the same right across the city centre.

“Hull BID has become accepted as something we can rely on and as such it doesn’t get the respect it deserves. During the last five years the city has come on in leaps and bounds in an incredibly difficult market and the money we pay for a clean and safe city centre is a bargain.”

Business will be asked to vote on whether to give the scheme another five-year term in a ballot which opens on August 17.