Tourist taxes not included in devolution white paper
December 16, 2024
The leading trade body said it was ‘very encouraging’ not to see any tourist tax powers included in the white paper.
What's in it?
The white paper includes a number of items that are relevant for hospitality:
- 1
Improving local and regional transport, and creating a smoother, more efficient and affordable transport network.
- 2
Making local and regional government work better.
- 3
Enhancing protections for assets and high streets, and eliminating empty premises on our high streets.
- 4
Empowering local communities.
Crucially, the white paper did not include any new powers for local authorities to introduce a tourist tax. This was a key ask of UKHospitality.
Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive of UKHospitality, said: “Hospitality is at the heart of our local communities and strengthening both local and regional government to improve services is positive.
“Better planning and licensing processes and improved transport systems in those areas will help businesses, tourism, customers and staff alike.
“The white paper has big ambitions and hospitality can be at the heart of delivering those ambitions through high street renewal, if it supported to do so.
“The biggest sigh of relief for hospitality businesses will be what was not included in the white paper – the absence of any new powers for local authorities to introduce a tourist tax.
“That is very encouraging and a sign that the Government has listened to our concerns that such a tax would further burden struggling businesses and severely dent our competitiveness on the world stage.
“We look forward to working with the Government on its plan and how we can work together to enhance how hospitality can serve Britain in our local communities.”
