§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what systems he has assessed for voting in relation to business improvement districts; and how the Government proposes to ensure that the system is simple. [87971]
§ Mr. LeslieClause 52 of the Local Government Bill, which was introduced into Parliament on 25 November, sets out the rules governing the BID ballot. A successful ballot will have to meet two tests. Firstly a simple majority of those voting in the BID ballot must vote in 949W favour. Secondly, those voting in favour must represent a majority by rateable value of the hereditaments (rateable properties) of those voting. This "dual-key" mechanism means that a scheme cannot be forced through by large firms against the wishes of small firms, or vice versa.
Secondly, Clause 57 of the Local Government Bill gives my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister the power to make regulations on the timing of BID ballots, the non-domestic ratepayers entitled to vote in the ballot, the question to be asked in the ballot, the form the ballot will take, the persons who are to hold ballots, and how the ballots are to be conducted. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is holding discussions with representatives of local authorities, rating professionals and members of the business community to ensure that the rules on voting are as simple as possible, while safeguarding the interests of those who will be liable to pay the BID levy.