Visitor Levy Bill introduced in Parliament, letting local leaders raise and reinvest money in much loved high streets, public spaces and tourist attractions
Local leaders are a step closer to getting new powers to invest more in high streets, cultural sites and other attractions that make communities great places to live, work and visit.
This Visitor Levy Bill, introduced in the House of Commons today, marks the most significant step in making fiscal devolution a reality, giving mayors and leaders who know their areas best the ability to introduce a small fee on overnight stays. Money raised through the levy will stay in the local area, giving communities investment in the places and services used by visitors and residents.
Mayors who choose to introduce a levy will be able to invest in what makes their regions special and improve the visitor experience from better high streets to public spaces – including public toilets and parks, cultural events and security and destination promotion. Money raised from visitors will stay in the area, helping attract more visitors, support local businesses and improve places for the people who live there too.
But the government will continue to protect lower cost family breaks by requiring the levy to be charged as a percentage rate of the cost of accommodation, rather than as a flat fee, meaning those choosing cheaper accommodation will pay less. Ten mayors have also committed that any levy introduced in their areas would be no higher than 5%, providing certainty for visitors and businesses while preserving local choice.