Published at 12:13, Monday, 20 August 2012

A TRADE body has implored firms not to ignore an important vote on a levy on their business rates.

More than 320 businesses were asked to vote yes or no on a levy on their annual rates devised to bankroll marketing and improvements push for their area.

But their voting forms had to be binned after it was discovered that the organisation contracted by Carlisle City Council to do the work had sent the forms out a day late.

It meant not every business had been given the  necessary 28 days to take part.

The mistake was made by the London-based Electoral Reform Service which blamed a broken down printer and early posting deadlines because of the Olympics.

Paul Foster, of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said it was vital retailers in Carlisle voted again, despite the process having to be started from scratch.

Opinion was being canvassed for the new BID (Business Improvement District) plan for Carlisle city centre.

Mr Foster, whose FSB has around 1,000 members across Carlisle and Penrith, urged the retail community not to lose faith, whether they were for or against BID.

He said: “It has probably put doubts in people’s minds but we would urge businesses to exercise their right because it will be too late if the BID comes in. If it comes in, it’s mandatory by law that you’ll have to pay.”

Newly-installed BID chairman Steve Matthews of Bookcase Carlisle said it was important retailers voted again.

“This aims to put retailers in control of the money and they will have a stronger voice as a group,” he said.

BID WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
The new ballot period will now be between August 29 and September 27. The result will be declared on Friday September 28. In the event of a yes vote, it would come into operation in early January 2013. Letters sent by the Electoral Reform Service are to explain that new ballot papers will be issued and businesses must vote again to ensure that their vote has been registered. www.carlislebid.co.uk

Published by http://www.in-cumbria.com