East Midlands Mayor responds to Government consultation on overnight visitor levy powers

Mayor of the East Midlands Claire Ward, has welcomed the Government’s consultation response published today (10 September) on new powers that could allow mayors in England to introduce a small levy on overnight stays, by working with the sector. 

The proposed Overnight Visitor Levy would support a range of activities to help attract more visitors to the region and encourage them to stay longer. The levy would be paid by visitors staying in commercial accommodation such as hotels, guest houses, holiday lets, B&Bs and campsites.  

If introduced in the East Midlands, the mayor would work with partners, businesses and stakeholders to shape any scheme and understand what is right for the region, while investing in transport, infrastructure and activity to grow the visitor economy, improve places for residents and visitors, and support local jobs and businesses. 

Mayor Claire Ward said:   

“The East Midlands is an incredible place to visit, and people travel from miles away to enjoy the world-class sport and culture, beautiful countryside, thriving cities, market towns and historic places.” 

“But none of these things – whether it is the natural beauty of the Peak District, our heritage buildings, or world class hospitality – will continue to attract visitors and improve their offer if we do not invest into them. The overnight visitor levy is a way that we can sustain investment – year after year – in the places and experiences that people will return to.” 

“Having seen this work in other places around the world, I am confident that we can make it work here. But to ensure that happens, we will work with partners, businesses and stakeholders to understand what is right for our region, how a levy could be designed to match that, and how any money raised could have the greatest impact.” 

The East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) has already committed to growing the region’s visitor economy by at least £1 billion by 2035. A visitor levy could help support that ambition by funding improvements that make the region even more attractive to visit, including major events, culture and heritage, public spaces, destination marketing and support for visitor economy businesses. 

Visitor levies are already used in many places around the world, including  visitor destinations in Europe and the USA. The Government has said the power would give local leaders more choice over how to raise and invest money in local priorities. 

EMCCA will continue to work with Government and other mayoral strategic authorities as the national policy develops. Any local proposals would be shaped through engagement and would be considered through EMCCA’s decision-making process.

Read more about the Overnight Visitor Levy.