A lot of what Purley BID does to support businesses goes on behind the scenes. We have an incredibly successful track record of campaigns and lobbying to benefit and support our Purley business community which in turn makes Purley a great place to live, work and visit.
In fact, our lobbying has been so successful over the past five years that we are recognised at local and central government level for our campaigns.
Taking our business rates campaign direct to the Chancellor of the Exchequer
In 2017, Purley BID analysed the business rates and noticed an anomaly that Purley was treated far more harshly than any other business district. Where the rates review nationally should have made a net 0% change and London to increase by 10% on average, Purley BID calculated that Purley businesses had a massive average 48% increase.
This led to an 18-month campaign with the Purley BID team taking our figures to Chris Philp, MP Croydon South, who lobbied the Chancellor of the Exchequer directly.
In the 2018 Autumn budget statement, the Chancellor specifically referenced our campaign as being a contributing factor to the government deciding to reduce the rates by a third. This policy change campaign led by Purley BID made a nationwide reduction of £450m and notably in Purley the third reduction in rates meant a net increase of 0% which was the goal.
However, the fight is not over as these changes are only in place until 2021 and we need to ensure Purley has a voice when the time comes.
We are the mouse that roared!
Business support for Purley BID members
With the inevitable tough economic times ahead, it is crucial that we continue and increase the support to our businesses to help to make our town a great destination. If you’re a Purley business, vote YES to keep the BID for a second term and we can campaign on your behalf to benefit your business and all the community.
Find out more about our themes for the next term.
Visit our business directory to find what you need on your doorstep.