 by five years, which charges businesses levies that contribute to development services in the area, is currently underway amidst changes to the local Underground station.){kind=link}
A vote to extend the Angel Islington Business Improvement District (BID) by five years, which charges businesses levies that contribute to development services in the area, is currently underway amidst changes to the local Underground station.
The ballot opened in the last week of October, inviting local businesses to vote on the continuation of the scheme which began in 2006, and will remain open until 19 November.
BIDs are ‘defined areas’ where businesses pay a levy of 1% that then go towards services for locals and establishments in the balloted zone. Its main priorities include added security and crime reduction, street management and cleanup, and improved trading conditions and reduced costs.
Key factors in the Angel BID’s business plan for the five years between 2027 and 2031 detail a proposed increase of levies to 1.5% from 1%, and a continued focus on crime reduction and environmental services in the area.
The expansion would increase the BID’s catchment area north towards Highbury and Islington station, and south to encompass City St. George’s University and surrounding areas in Clerkenwell.
A minor speedbump emerged on the eve of the ballot’s opening, as Transport for London (TfL) announced that the Angel tube station would change to exit-only for weekends beginning in January 2027.
Responding to fears about the potential impact on businesses in the area, BID spokespeople revealed that the organisation helped delay the TfL’s decision to ensure regular operation during the holiday season.
BID manager Katie English said: “We were advocating for reduced impact from the closures. The original plan was to have [the change] take place before Christmas, but we had it pushed to after the new year.”
Islington Council leader Una O’Halloran also mentioned the impact on businesses in a statement made in the wake of TfL’s announcement last week:
“Making it harder for people to reach Angel risks affecting local businesses, jobs, and the wider area. We have raised our concerns directly with TfL regarding the handling of the situation and the way that the council and local community were brought into the conversation at a late stage.”
Kartikay is a MA Journalism at City St George's University, with previous experience as a sports writer for Hindustan Times in New Delhi. He also served as sports editor for The Edict at Ashoka University, and spends most of his time complaining about how bad his teams are.