Tourist tax- views after York’s David Skaith welcomes powers

Labour Mayor David Skaith said a visitor levy, otherwise known as a tourist tax, would raise funds that could be reinvested into communities and used to support businesses.

But firms and organisations including the national Confederation of Business and Industry (CBI) have warned against charging for overnight stays at a time when hospitality is hard-pressed.

The Government unveiled plans for the charges, with an Overnight Visitor Levy Bill among those set to be tabled in the coming Parliament following Wednesday, May 13’s King’s Speech.

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Readers shared their views on the Press website following the news and the mayor’s reaction.

Anna Gramme said: “The cost as a percentage of a stay will be negligible, people staying overnight aren’t unduly phased by the cost of living crisis anyway.

“The impact of tourist taxes elsewhere is nothing other than beneficial for the host city.”

Bean1234 said: “Wouldn’t it be good if our mayor actually listened to the hospitality sector, they don’t want this and the money raised wont be ringfenced for hospitality.”

It’s only a turnip said: “I reckon the actual cost per night won’t be as much as an average pint of beer in York, so in reality it shouldn’t effect visitors financially.

“But the cost will be in reputation and of visitors feelings of being taxed, why not apply this fee to overseas visitors only?”

Keith Roworth said: “It always amazes me that the man in the street advocates hitting themselves with yet another tax, isn’t the cost of living high enough as it is?”

EyeofYork said: “Call me a cynic but that money will just go into the pot for general expenditure, so why not admit it?”

Drago said: “I don’t care if it does, as long as it’s spent on city improvements it’s all good.”

Mulgrave said: “David Skaith must be unaware of the sentiment about the cost of living in this country, he can’t fail to realise that it won’t just be him applying this levy as mayor.

“How much more do people want to pay for their trips away in the UK on top of the raised prices for petrol and diesel and hotel and hospitality rates?”

Wildorchid1 said: “It’s common if not universal practice to pay a small city tax in Europe, it hardly adds anything to the bill.

“York has huge numbers of tourists and the tax will help the city stay liveable while continuing to welcome tourists.”

Dementia said: “If the tax is to support the already booming industry what is the point?

“Trust in politicians to spend funds raised widely is not exactly at a high point, can the money be predicated to non-tourist needs?”