UK Grants English Mayors Visitor Levy Powers

The UK government has announced plans to grant English mayors new powers to impose a visitor levy on overnight stays in hotels, holiday lets, bed and breakfasts, and other accommodations, aiming to fund local infrastructure and tourism enhancements. The policy, revealed following the recent budget, applies to regional leaders and aligns England with similar measures already underway in Scotland and Wales.

Under the proposal, mayors could introduce a modest fee, potentially around £2 per night or a percentage of the room cost, such as 5 percent, collected by accommodation providers. Exemptions would include emergency housing, long-term stays exceeding 31 nights, and certain groups like children, medical travelers, or those in temporary accommodations for domestic violence. The levy would target overnight visitors but not day-trippers, with funds directed toward transport improvements, public spaces, cultural projects, and visitor economy support. A 12-week public consultation, running until February 18, will shape the details, including rate structures and additional exemptions.

Local Government Secretary Steve Reed described the move as empowering mayors to "harness" tourism...