Businesses who refused to pay the compulsory Wight BID levy and as a result have been ordered to pay by the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court are being given the opportunity to have their court costs removed by attending a presentation.
Visit Isle of Wight Ltd attended the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court in Newport this morning regarding the summons hearings for levy payers who have not yet paid their Wight BID levy for the 2016/17 season.
97 Wight BID levy payers – from a total of 1,012 – have not paid their levy, despite receiving reminders from the Isle of Wight Council and Visit Isle of Wight.
Just over £371,000 has now been collected in from the 90% who have paid and this money is being spent promoting the Isle of Wight between 1st September 2016 and 31st August 2017.
Visit Isle of Wight launched an appeals procedure in November, and invited any prospective levy payer who disagreed with their inclusion in the scheme to submit a formal appeal which would be considered by the Wight BID’s revenue admin group.
Over the last 2 months, a small number of businesses were removed from the BID through the appeals process. The remainder have been asked to pay.
Following today’s Magistrates Court hearing, Visit Isle of Wight and Isle of Wight Council will be offering affected businesses an opportunity to have their court costs of £80 removed by attending a 3-hour presentation that will explain the benefits of the Wight Bid, why this statutory process was selected and how to make the most of it.
The interactive presentation, designed to be informative, relaxed and thought provoking is 3 hours long and will be held between 10:00-13:00 on Thursday 16th March. The venue is to be announced. Those attending will have an opportunity to express views and ask questions about the Wight BID and how it fits into the scheme of things.
Up to 60 people can attend the workshop and following attendance at this event, court costs attached to any recent Wight BID liability will be removed.
David Thornton, CEO of Visit Isle of Wight has said:
“Our intention is not to make life harder for businesses struggling to keep going on the Island, but to assist them to develop and grow their income from tourism. The BID plan lays out the strategy and many of the ways in which we hope to do that. This was voted for, by the Industry, and it is our statutory obligation to carry this plan out for their benefit.
“I have heard that the WIGHT BID was a surprise to a few – despite the letters and publicity we sent out to all last year, and also that any request for funds can be seen as adding to their woes. But I also believe that the WIGHT BID fund will be put to good use to increase visitor numbers in the future and that with everyone’s support, advice and guidance this can be achieved within the five-year lifetime of the BID.
“I urge those who have paid to follow our work closely and participate in our campaigns so that they can capitalise on their investment”.
