Levy on overnight trips will help Mayors invest in local growth

England’s mayors will be able to invest in transport, infrastructure, and the visitor economy through a new levy on overnight stays.

The fee would apply to visitors’ overnight trips, and it would be up to mayors and other local leaders to introduce a modest charge if it's right for their area.  

The move would ensure UK mayors have the same powers as their counterparts in cities like New York, Paris and Milan, where charges on short-term trips are already commonplace.  

The announcement came ahead of the recent Budget, aiming to make the fair and necessary choices to deliver on the Government’s mandate for change.  

This includes cutting hospital waiting lists by delivering record investment in our public services, cutting debt and borrowing by sticking to our tough spending plans, cutting the cost of living by raising the national living wage for millions of workers, and pushing ahead with the biggest drive for growth in a generation.  
 
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Steve Reed said:  “Tourists travel from near and far to visit England’s brilliant cities and regions.  

“We’re giving our mayors powers to harness this and put more money into local priorities, so they can keep driving growth and investing in these communities for years to come.”  

England attracts over 130 million overnight visits each year.   

Under plans set out today, any new levy would apply to visitors at accommodation providers including hotels, holiday lets, bed and breakfasts, and guesthouses.   

Money raised could then help fund local projects that improve communities and enhance tourists’ experiences, that could potentially help attract more visitors – without needing approval from central government. Research also shows that reasonable fees have minimal impact on visitor numbers.   

Many cities around the world charge tourists a small fee when they visit, including New York, Paris and Milan. 

The announcement is the latest step forward in the government's mission to devolve power and give those who know their areas best control over how money is spent in their communities.  

Businesses, communities and others with an interest in the measure can have their say on how it should work, with a consultation running for 12 weeks until 18th February.