Popular UK city favoured by tourists considers introducing a strict visitor tax

A Labour mayor has warned that a tough new tourist tax could be introduced for visitors to a major UK city.

David Skaith, the mayor of York and North Yorkshire, has backed calls for a tourism levy in the region to help fund public services and maintain visitor attractions.

He joins leading York councillors and York Central’s Labour MP Rachael Maskell in supporting the idea, arguing that mayors will need more control over raising funds as their responsibilities increase.

However, the government has said there are no current plans to allow local councils in England to introduce tourism taxes.

Image credit: Photo © Derek Voller (cc-by-sa/2.0)

This follows decisions by both Edinburgh and Manchester to bring in accommodation charges. Edinburgh's 5% tax will start next year, while Manchester already has a £1 per night charge in place.

Speaking to the BBC, Skaith said York and North Yorkshire attract more than 25 million visitors annually, adding: "A small visitor levy, like those in most European cities, would allow us to invest in public services."

He said this would help keep York’s attractions appealing for both locals and tourists, as well as improving services that residents rely on, such as public transport.

Claire Douglas and Pete Kilbane, leader and deputy leader of the Labour-run City of York Council, have also backed the idea. Kilbane said the council would push for powers to introduce the levy so that they could decide how the money is spent.

Image credit: Photo © Mel Towler (cc-by-sa/2.0)

Maskell suggested that a charge of £1 or £2 per night on overnight stays in York could generate between £1.7 million and £3.4 million per year.

However, Hospitality Association York has raised concerns, warning that the industry is already struggling with rising costs, including increases in minimum wage and National Insurance.

Rebecca Layton, chair of Indie York and owner of Galtres Lodge Hotel, said: "As a business and as the hospitality association, we are strongly opposed to it."

"One issue is the lack of clear information—there are different figures being mentioned, but we haven't been given enough detail to provide a proper response," she added.

Meanwhile, York-based sales and marketing business owner Keith Rozelle supports the idea. "Something has to be done because council budgets have been cut to the bone," he said. "York is an incredible city, and I want to help keep it that way."

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