The London Borough of Bexley has cast its vote in the ballot on the future of the Bexleyheath Business Improvement District (BID).

A Business Improvement District is a defined area where businesses work together and contribute through a levy to fund projects and services that support the local trading environment. These can include events, marketing and promotion, town centre improvements and initiatives designed to attract visitors and support local businesses. Ratepaying businesses within the BID area vote every five years on whether the BID should continue and the ballot to decide Bexleyheath BID’s future is now ongoing.

As a business ratepayer and owner of properties within the BID area, including council buildings and car parks, the Council is entitled to vote in the ballot.

The Council's participation reflects its commitment to supporting thriving town centres and aligns with its Economic Growth Strategy, including the priority of delivering prosperity for Bexley's town centres.

Councillor David Leaf, Leader of the Council, said:

The Bexleyheath BID has become an institution promoting businesses, jobs and investment in the town centre. It’s record of events and engagement has brought footfall into Bexleyheath and highlighted the importance of supporting local businesses. Having attended many of the events the BID has organised over the years, I have seen that they are enjoyable, entertaining and bring families into the town centre. 

Town centres should be vibrant places and at a time when businesses face ongoing pressures, the BID has an important and ongoing role to play in the future championing Bexleyheath, standing up for business and working constructively with the Council and other partners. The Administration I lead is committed to doing all it can to make Bexley the best place to live, work and raise a family and we want to see Bexleyheath continue to be a successful and thriving town centre. I welcome the approach taken by the BID to support businesses in Bexleyheath and its plans for the next five years”. 

The ballot closes at 5pm on Thursday, 9 July 2026. The day after the closing date, the result will be independently verified by Civica, the appointed independent election scrutineer and announced by the Borough Returning Officer.

Further information about Business Improvement Districts is available at Bexley Business and Employment. The BID’s 2026 to 2031 Business Plan and Renewal Guide is available on the Enjoy Bexleyheath website.