Rugby Borough Council will not proceed to ballot for renewal of Business Improvement District (BID)
The Council has a legal duty to ensure BID proposals meet regulatory requirements. Rugby Borough Council cannot proceed to a renewal vote, which had been due to take place between 27 January and 26 February 2026.
‘Rugby First’ operates across the town centre and adds a levy on top of existing business rates charges, within the BID area to provide additional and enhanced services above those provided by the Council. ‘Rugby First’ was elected by businesses in 2021 for a five-year term to operate Rugby’s BID. This term is now ending and if it is to progress to another term, a further vote from business levy payers is needed in 2026.
All BID proposals must meet governance, transparency, and regulatory standards, Rugby Borough Council’s priority is to ensure the proposed business plan is compliant to protect Rugby’s business community and the town centre.
Due to the renewal vote not taking place, the BID will end and businesses will not be charged a BID levy from 1 April 2026 onwards. The current term of ‘Rugby First’ will continue until 31 March 2026 and existing arrangements will remain in place until that time.
Rugby Borough Council is committed to ensuring continuity of key town centre activity and has confirmed that funding for events and town centre initiatives will be maintained into the next financial year, at no additional cost to the taxpayer.
Dan Green, Returning Officer for Rugby Borough Council, said: “Following an internal review and having sought external, independent advice, it has been concluded that Rugby First’s proposals for BID renewal are not compliant with the Business Improvement Districts (England) Regulations 2004. Therefore, we cannot proceed to ballot.
"We recognise the role Rugby First has played in the town centre and are mindful of the staff affected by this decision. We are committed to working with town centre businesses and with residents to understand what this means for the future of Rugby town centre.”
Rugby Borough Council welcomes continued engagement with businesses and partners to support the town centre and work collaboratively on future regeneration.
Town centre businesses with questions about the cancellation of the ballot can email Rugby Borough Council’s Economic Development team on business@rugby.gov.uk.