Is is fair supermarkets don't pay the Wight BID levy?
Do supermarkets and shops benefit from Isle of Wight Tourism?
Of course they do, increased visitors means increased spending at their stores by visitors, residents and businesses. Tourism thrives and they thrive, and no-one can argue otherwise.
But WightBID say they don't benefit, which is why the supermarkets don't pay the BID levy! How stupid do they think people are?
Is it really fair that all the big national supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsburys and Morrisons et al don't have to pay the BID levy, when the Island has hundreds of small struggling businesses being compelled to pay the BID levy under threat of court action from the Council?
Look at the image and how much just 7 supermarkets could contibute to the BID levy pot. But these rich nationals with fat profits (partly derived from the Island) are getting away scott free not paying. The reality is because in 2016 they said they didn't want to be part of the BID, and the BID proposers (Visit Isle of Wight) were worried by their NO votes affecting the ballot, so decided they don't have to be part of BID. Bet there are hundreds of small businesses that would love to be treated in the same way!
For the 2021-2026 BID proposal it is essential that supermarkets and shops are included in the BID, it's criminal they are allowed to get away with not paying the levy. There is no reason they can't be included, it's upto the WightBID, they have the power to include them but so far decided not to which is an insult to every other business on the Island. FYI supermarkets are included in other BIDs including Tourism ones, so there is no excuse.
You must lobby WightBID now to make sure they are including shops and supermarkets in the 2021-2026 BID proposal, it's only fair for all. If they won't then show your disgust for them at the ballot, and Vote NO to end this injustice!
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