York council ‘actively lobbying’ for a tourist levy

City of York council has committed to working with local hospitality businesses as it seeks to implement a tourist levy.

 

Manchester became the first city in the UK to demand a tourist tax on visitors staying the night in April 2023 under the Accommodation Business Improvement District (ABID) model.

 

Liverpool is also reportedly in the process of voting on a new City Visitor Charge of £2, which could be introduced as early as next year.

 

The ABID ensures the funds are used to support the tourism economy in particular, instead of going towards other council commitments.

 

Specific terms of the levy, such as the daily rate, have not yet been confirmed.

 

Councillor Peter Kilbane, deputy leader and executive member for economy and culture at City of York Council, said: “While cities around the world have introduced a tourist levy, in England there is currently no legal framework to allow for such a mechanism. City of York Council, along with other local authorities and mayors, are actively lobbying government for the powers for to raise a tourist levy.

 

“Initial surveys of York visitors and tourists show that a levy is popular with residents and tourists are willing to pay. Though local hospitality businesses remain understandably cautious, City of York Council remains open to working with them and the York Tourism Advisory Board to explore the options for a voluntary levy.”

 

He added: “We continue to approach the issue with an open mind and would love to hear from anyone who has ideas to share. People can do just that by taking part in our Big Budget Conversation consultation at: www.york.gov.uk/big-conversation-2/big-budget-conversation/5.”

 

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