FAQs

What is a BID?

A BID is a business-led and funded partnership, where businesses within a defined area invest money together to make the improvements they identify for their trading environment. The money generated is targeted only at the Viva Port Talbot programme. 

In November 2019, businesses in Port Talbot town centre voted in favour of establishing a BID. Viva Port Talbot began operating in April 2020, and is an independent, not-for profit company limited by guarantee. It is a transparent body open to scrutiny from its levy payers and the community in which it operates, with regularly updated information about income and expenditure available to all members of the BID. 

Viva Port Talbot will operate for five years (2020-2025), when a renewal ballot will be held and businesses will take another vote to decide whether the BID continues or not. 

How is Viva Port Talbot governed and run?

The BID is led by a board of directors, elected at the BID’s first AGM, who represent a cross section of the businesses in Port Talbot town centre. Theme groups are also drawn from local businesses and meet to oversee specific projects in the programme’s four main strands. 

A part-time BID manager and a part-time BID assistant deliver the BID programme, overseen by the board. 

How is Viva Port Talbot funded?

Viva Port Talbot is funded by a 1.25% levy on the rateable value of hereditaments (business units) within the defined BID boundary that have a rateable value of £5,000 or more, as of the notice of ballot date (26th September 2019).  You can calculate your levy by multiplying your RV by 0.0125. 

The BID levy is mandatory for all eligible hereditaments within the BID area – this includes those owned by the borough council and other public bodies. Businesses with a total RV below £5,000 will be exempt but can make a voluntary contribution. 

How do I find out how much I am liable to pay?

You can calculate you levy by multiplying your RV by 1.25%. Please feel free to contact The means to talk through the business plan and discuss how much you will contribute.

How is the levy collected?

The BID levy will be collected on an annual basis and will be fixed for five years.  We commission the borough council to collect the levy on our behalf as a separate bill. Viva Port Talbot is required by law to be clear and transparent about how it is spending the money. Regular updates on the BID’s income and expenditure are available to all members of the BID.  

How is the levy collected?

The BID levy will be collected on an annual basis and we have commissioned the borough council to collect the levy on our behalf as a separate bill. The levy will be fixed for five years.

Where is the money spent?

The BID’s services are above and beyond what the borough council currently provide for the town centre. To ensure that the services the BID provides are additional to what’s already delivered, Viva Port Talbot has a baseline agreement with the borough council which details the services they currently deliver. This baseline agreement includes public conveniences, street cleansing, highways maintenance, town centre management, car parks, CCTV and licensing including taxis, alcohol, street trading and late-night food. BID funds are ONLY for projects in addition to those delivered by the local councils, and can only be spent to improve the area in which they are raised – all funds raised by Viva Port Talbot are spent here in Port Talbot town centre. 

Is the council contributing?

Yes, the council has a number of properties in the town centre and will be levy payers, as would other public bodies.