I haven’t heard anything about this why have I got this bill?

This is something that the businesses in Dorking have voted for, so we are surprised to receive this feedback but are working hard to ensure we liaise with Businesses to understand and respond to their concerns and ensure they receive the best service throughout the BID term. If you are a Dorking business and would like to get in touch please contact

I thought I paid this in my rates bill?

A Business Improvement District is about businesses working together and investing collectively in local improvements, which are in addition to those delivered by the local authority. These improvements benefit the businesses involved, growing the local economy, and contribute to the wider aspirations of the local community. Run by local businesses, a Business Improvement District (BID) is not a substitute for central or local government investment, but an additional investment to strengthen the local economy and give local businesses a unified voice. The investment is funded by all the businesses within the BID area by a levy based on their business rates. Download Our Business plan.

I didn’t vote for this I don’t want to pay / Can I opt out?

Much like a general election, whether you voted no or yes once the BID has been voted in, if you are in the BID area, you are legally obliged to pay.

It is important to note, it also means the business has the funds to complete the business plan as it was proposed pre-Ballot. The Dorking BID is a not-for-profit company Limited by Guarantee run by the Dorking business community. Representatives from local businesses will form the board of directors responsible for ensuring the business plan is being completed. We welcome and encourage involvement, if you would like to get involved please contact

I am a registered charity why do I have to pay?

The BID has to adhere to the document that all businesses voted on when the BID went to ballot. The operating agreement states that relief on levy payments would not be available to any business, charitable or other. It is worth noting that the BID’s work depends on collecting all the levy in order for it to complete the business plan throughout its 5-year term.  All levy contributions towards this are important so the BID has the funds to carry out the work it committed to completing.

How have the BID projects been chosen?

The projects are based on ideas put forward by Dorking businesses through the survey and meetings that we have carried out, as well as by looking at what other BIDs have successfully achieved in their areas.

The amount you pay will be based on your individual business rateable value (not your business rates) based on the 2017 rating list. Smaller businesses pay less than larger businesses. The levy will be a mandatory 2% levy per year for the BID term of just under five years. If you are not sure of your rateable value please email

The current DTP Board is made up of individuals who are keen to champion the BID development. If the BID is voted in, the Board will be open to nominations from businesses who would like to sit on the Board. An AGM will be held at which the new Directors will be voted in.

The current DTP Board and future BID Board will not be remunerated in any way. The positions are totally voluntary. We rely on the use of free meeting space and don’t have any other expenses. If a Board Director is required to travel to a BID related meeting away from Dorking from time to time, his/her travel expenses will be reimbursed from the BID funds.