Many constituents have contacted me about the proposed visitor levy.
Tourism is vital to our economy and England is one of the world’s leading tourist destinations, attracting over 130 million visitors each year. Investment in the places that people visit will help to build on our reputation as a world-leading destination.
At the time of the 2025 Budget, the Government announced plans for Mayors to be given the power to raise revenue locally through a new visitor levy on short-term overnight accommodation in their region. This is a ground-breaking step. I think that mayors and other local leaders are best placed to identify and invest in the projects and infrastructure – things like transport, regeneration and arts and culture – that will support economic growth and make places even attractive for visitors and residents.
Many cities across the world already charge visitor levies. Giving local leaders in England the power to introduce a visitor levy in their area will therefore bring them in line with their international counterparts in New York, Milan, Paris, and Prague, as well as in Wales and Scotland. The Government will not compel any Mayor to introduce this levy, nor will central government reduce funding for Mayors in either eventuality.
I understand that businesses and potential visitors may have concerns about the effects of a new levy. Mayors will first need to decide whether to introduce a levy and, if so, consult on specific proposals. The Government expects Mayors to engage constructively with businesses and their communities.
The Government ran a consultation to ensure that the public, businesses, and local government could shape the design of these powers. This consultation closed on 18 February 2026, and I look forward to the response to the public feedback which will be published in due course.
Thank you once again for contacting me about this issue.
Best wishes
Rt Hon Hilary Benn
MP for Leeds South
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland