This is Clapham is a Business Improvement District (BID). BIDs are regulated by the Local Gvernment Act 2003 and the BID Regulations 2004. There are over 330 BIDs nationally with over 70 in London. 

Business Improvement Districts are not for profit organisations that are funded by and represent the businesses within an area. Monies raised through the mandatory annual levy and other funding is spent locally to support businesses and improve the location of the area.

This is Clapham was established in 2014 by a ballot of the businesses for a 5-year term. There was a renewal ballot held in 2019 and on each occasion, This is Clapham BID secured a positive result for a further 5-year term.

In January 2024 businesses will be invited to support its continuation for a further 5 years. If the BID is not supported for a third term the company will be closed by 31st March 2024 and all BID activities and services will cease.

In accordance with BID Regulations 2004, businesses that are subject to the mandatory levy when the new term commences in April 2024, are entitled to one vote per hereditament (legal definition “a unit of property”). The BID will be renewed and will therefore continue if there is a majority vote by number AND by rateable value. This means, there must be more votes cast in favour than against (by number) AND of those, the total size (by RV) of hereditaments in favour must also be greater than those voting against. 

Yes, the ballot will be managed by Lambeth Council the legal ‘accountable authority’ in accordance with the BID Regulations 2004. The votes remain entirely confidential.

No, all projects and services delivered by This is Clapham are in addition to those delivered by the Council. This is Clapham will agree a baseline agreement which clearly states what services Lambeth Council deliver to the area so that the BID can add to and in some cases enhance these existing services.

Retail and leisure businesses in the specific BID area with a rateable value (RV) of £11,249 and above are subject to the BID Levy. The annual levy is proportionate to the size of the premises occupied by the business and the percentage payable is calculated according to the sector. 

1.5% for daytime businesses  

2.4% for licensed late-night alcohol led premises and those serving hot food takeaway after midnight

1% for properties in a designated Key Industrial Business Area

The average levy payable across all 442 businesses will be £819 per annum raising an annual total of £320,000 to be spent on initiatives that support Clapham and the local businesses.

The BID Levy is collected by Lambeth Council through their outsourced contractor Capita and then passed to the BID.

The BID Business Plan sets out the business support and services available. This includes access to a free allocation of recycling and discounted rates thereafter, along with free access to networking events and free access for all your employees to the Clapham Card giving you discounts with local businesses. This is Clapham also delivers investment in place making and public realm improvements, marketing, lobbying for the town. Strategically we regularly meet with Met Police, Lambeth Council and lobby TfL and Network Rail giving a voice to Clapham.  Your individual contribution also enables the BID to secure additional investment in the town.

The BID team are dedicated to support and growth of Clapham. Over the last 10 years, we have responded flexibly and innovatively to the circumstances that have affected Clapham, allowing you to focus on managing your business knowing there is a team having the broader conversations. We undertake regular consultations with businesses and are also available by phone or email to respond to your concerns and ideas. The voluntary Board of Directors represent different sizes and sectors of businesses within Clapham.

Full details of the BID area, costs, breakdown of streets covered by BID and the levy arrangements are detailed in the BID Business Plan 2024-2029, which can be found with other information on this website. Alternatively, please call 020 7622 5905 or email info@thisisclapham.co.uk and we will be happy to send you a copy or help with any further information. 

Ballot papers will be sent to every business address to arrive on 8th January 2024. The ballot paper will be yellow and the envelope will be marked with This is Clapham Ballot paper enclosed.

All you need to do is put a cross is your chosen box, write your name and your position confirming you are eligible to vote on behalf of the business and then sign the paper. A prepaid addressed envelope is included for the return of the ballot paper to Lambeth Council.

We strongly advise you to complete and return your ballot paper as soon as you receive it so it does not get lost as issuing a replacement is not straightforward.

If for whatever reason your ballot paper does not arrive or goes missing please do contact us. We encourage all businesses to have their say and so we will work with you to arrange for a replacement to be issued.

Replacement ballot papers can only be issued on Friday 2nd February and evidence of your identity will be required before this time.