HAMPSHIRE civic chiefs have backed a new scheme to boost business in Winchester city centre.
The county council has agreed to give £20,000 to the Business Improvement District. But its Cabinet heard that the council does not want to be the only public body forking out for the BID.
The Cabinet said it was unclear whether contributions would also be demanded from the prison, the Royal Hampshire County Hospital, the university or the cathedral.
The vote in support of the principle of a BID was on condition that the county council helps to run the scheme and that the BID provides good value for money.
The BID will only go ahead if a majority vote in favour in a poll to be held in the summer.
The county council would be liable to the proposed 1.5 per cent levy on non-domestic rates, as its HQ is at the top of the High Street.
The vote also called on the prison, hospital, university and cathedral to be invited to participate.
The scheme would provide the city centre with £2.5m over five years, with the money going on initiatives to attract shoppers and business visitors. Improved street furniture, advertising, more street cleaning and better policing have all been suggested.
Council leader Ken Thornber said the county wanted to work with partnerships like the BID scheme. "But I do wonder what the council tax payers will think, in effect, subverting their council tax to aid business."
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