English mayors in England are being given new powers to introduce a tourism tax on overnight stays, with local leaders able to set a levy applied to accommodation costs. The government is expected to publish details on how the charge will work in practice, including how it is calculated and implemented.
Across outlets, the tax is described as a percentage fee added to hotel, bed-and-breakfast and similar short-stay accommodation bills. Local authorities would use the revenue to fund services and upkeep related to tourism and local attractions. Reporting also highlights that the power is being presented as effectively uncapped, though it has been reported that Labour metro mayors have discussed a self-imposed expectation that it would not exceed 5%.
Several sources note concerns from the hospitality sector. Courthouse News and others report that accommodation and hospitality groups warn the measure could raise costs for visitors and affect business, potentially impacting jobs. Other coverage focuses more on what the policy allows mayors to do and where it could apply.
