UK Cities to become on a par with New York, Paris and Milan

[Paddy]

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/l...n-local-growth

England’s mayors will be able to invest in transport, infrastructure, and the visitor economy through a new levy on overnight stays.

The fee would apply to visitors’ overnight trips, and it would be up to mayors and other local leaders to introduce a modest charge if it’s right for their area.

The move would ensure UK mayors have the same powers as their counterparts in cities like New York, Paris and Milan, where charges on short-term trips are already commonplace.

The announcement comes ahead of tomorrow’s Budget, which will make the fair and necessary choices to deliver on the government’s mandate for change.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said:

Giving Mayors the powers to raise a tourist levy is great news for London.

[malvolio]

What a great idea. We already don't allow VAT discounts for visitors, now we can charge them to come here.

Paris and Milan will be even more delighted.

[jamesbrown]

What a great idea. We already don't allow VAT discounts for visitors, now we can charge them to come here.

Paris and Milan will be even more delighted.

The VAT hike probably was a bit self-defeating.

This, OTOH.... "I am not coming to XYZ because of the nightly tourist levy"... said absolutely no one ever. It is pretty much universal, we are the outlier and there is no evidence that a small levy changes behaviour for the obvious reason that it's a piddling proportion of your outlay when travelling.

[NotAllThere]

It's widespread in Europe and doesn't seem to have a disincentive effect. Of course it depends on how much it is!

[xoggoth]

Wonder if I can demand a fee from dogwalkers walking down my road?

[Paddy]

It's widespread in Europe and doesn't seem to have a disincentive effect. Of course it depends on how much it is!

I am well aware of tourist taxes in Europe however, those taxes are put to good local use. However, having my properties being caught up in the UK BIDs (business improved district levy), the levy is wasted on consultants and unrelated projects. The same will happen with the tourist tax.

[malvolio]

It's widespread in Europe and doesn't seem to have a disincentive effect. Of course it depends on how much it is!

OK, the disincentive is a minor thing, I agree. Not so sure about the message this is sending though.

However, where will the money be spent? People like Khan and his peers don't have a good reputation for wise investments.

[milanbenes]

I am well aware of tourist taxes in Europe however, those taxes are put to good local use. However, having my properties being caught up in the UK BIDs (business improved district levy), the levy is wasted on consultants and unrelated projects. The same will happen with the tourist tax.

their job is to waste money isn't it ?

Milan.