Detailed figures for the vote were as follows:

·         Yes by Number: 76%

·         Yes by Rateable Value: 80%

A not-for-profit BID company will now be formed to carry out a wide range of improvements and services from April next year.

The York BID has been established following more than a year of consultations with businesses across York. Establishing a Business Improvement District in York was first mooted 10 years ago,

The yes vote has been secured after a higher than average turnout of 42% of York city centre businesses with 76% voting to establish a Business Improvement District for York.

Establishing the BID will create a fund of about £4m to spend on a series of projects and services over the next five years. The money will be raised by charging a 1% levy on the rateable value of each business premise in the city centre.

The BID business case promised a cleaner City centre, with improved safety, physical improvements and a year round entertainments programme.

The York Council has backed the BID process for a decade but has been criticised over recent months for ignoring the needs of sub-urban commercial and shopping areas.

The BID business plan can be viewed here: http://www.theyorkbid.com/proposal/
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