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Better PlacesAuthor: Better Places
A Concilio podcast featuring political analysis and its impact on the planning and property sector from across London and the UK. Language: en Genres: Business, Government Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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S4 Ep35: Visitor Levy, BIDs and Place Funding: Dr Julie Grail on What Happens Next
Episode 35
Friday, 27 February, 2026
In the latest episode of the Better Places Podcast, Concilio’s Yiannis Sophocleous is joined by Dr Julie Grail, founder of The BIDs Business and one of the UK’s leading voices on Business Improvement Districts, to discuss the proposed overnight visitor levy and what it could mean for cities across England. With the consultation now closed, the debate has sharpened. The conversation explores the bigger themes behind the policy, including: Whether the levy can operate as a genuine growth tool The importance of governance, transparency and ringfencing The impact on competitiveness and the visitor economy Lessons from international examples The role of BIDs in shaping and delivering place-based funding Looking beyond the levy itself, the discussion also reflects on the future of BIDs, the challenges facing town and city centres, and how partnership models must evolve in a changing political and economic climate. This is a timely and thoughtful conversation for anyone interested in place management, hospitality, planning and local government.
