Businesses across Stockport are set to see charges increase as part of plans to pump more funds into the town centre. The changes could see more than £3m raised.

Totally Stockport, officially known as the Stockport Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID), is a business-led and business funded body created to improve the centre of the town. This includes investment to try and drive more footfall.

The BID was created in 2016 for five years and it was extended again in 2021. If approved, the organisation would exist for another five years between April 2027 and March 2032.

The organisation is funded through a levy paid for by local businesses which is then used to fund various initiatives. This includes the Krazy Races, street art murals, art trails in the town centre, funding a town centre police office, as well as supporting Stockport Pride and Armed Forces Day.

Victoria Nichola, manager of the Merseyway Shopping Centre, said the organisation 'plays a vital role in strengthening the town centre and delivering meaningful benefits', adding: "The BID is an essential mechanism for collaboration, investment, and positive change, helping to ensure Stockport continues to thrive as a dynamic and attractive destination for both businesses and customers."

Proposals have been put forward which would see the levy paid by businesses increase from 1.27 to 1.75% and this would increase annually by 3%. The maximum anyone could pay is £16,000 which affects Tesco, Stopford House, Asda, and Stockport Station.

Advertising rights, telephone masters, kiosks, and estate agents will now be included where they were left out before. Those who already get relief on business rates such as schools or charities will be entitled to a 80% reduction in their levy.

The area covered by the BID would also expand to include Stockport 8 as well as Stopford Park and Stockport College raising an extra £15,000.

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At the moment, the BID receives an income over around £400,000 a year. If the changes are approved, this will rise to around £614,000 a year from 570 businesses and properties.

The changes will be brought before Stockport councillors at meetings on June 11, June 23, and July 9. If approved, a ballot of all businesses in the area will run from September to October this year.

In a report to councillors, Totally Stockport said they have also supported gigs, Christmas events, street parties, cleaned the area up, and reached more than 1m people through campaigns.

Going forward, the group want to promote 'large scale family-friendly creative events' and 'quirky Christmas events to drive footfall'. There are also plans for more events in the evening, street parties, and 'new creative urban events.

The group also promise to be 'turning up the volume' in their promotion of the town and carry out 'deep cleans to remove grot spots and improve entry ways'.

Cllr Micheala Meikle, economy and regeneration cabinet member, said: "It's about far more than bricks and mortar – it's about creating a town centre where people want to live, work and spend time, and the BID has helped us deliver a more vibrant place for residents, visitors and businesses alike.

"The BID has helped foster a strong sense of community among businesses, bringing like minded people together to support a more confident and thriving town centre. This shared approach and collaboration has strengthened Stockport's reputation as a great place to start and grow a business, increasing footfall and creating a town centre that works for everyone.

"It has been a pleasure to work with Totally Stockport to deliver a wide range of activities, from greening projects to eye-catching street murals and practical measures that support a safer, more prosperous town centre. Together we're building a strong, trusted collaboration that delivers real, visible change and shows what's possible when councils and businesses work side by side with a shared ambition for the future."

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