RICHMOND COUNCIL BACKS TOURIST TAX TO BOOST REVENUE
Richmond Council supports the principle of an Overnight Visitor Levy or ‘tourist tax’ as it has become known to help boost the coffers of the council and generate much-needed revenue for local services, Teddington Town has learned.
Councillor Gareth Roberts, Leader of Richmond Council said: “We support the principle of an Overnight Visitor Levy, provided it is designed in a way that properly recognises the important role London boroughs, including Richmond, play in supporting and sustaining the local visitor economy, jobs, and businesses.
“As currently proposed, the levy would be controlled solely by the Mayor of London.
“Boroughs must have a meaningful role both in shaping the scheme and in deciding how revenues are reinvested locally. We support the position of London Councils that at least 50 per cent of revenues should be retained at borough level.
“Richmond upon Thames is home to world-class attractions and a strong visitor economy, which is a key part of our wider Growth Plan. Any investment raised through the levy should reflect the importance of daytime visitors as well as overnight stays.”
The levy proposed is decided by the local Mayor but has been talked about as £2 per room per night or a perecentage of the cost.
Richmond Borough has experienced a massive tourist boom over the last ten years and is estimated to attract over 4.5million visitors every year.
The Overnight Visitor Levy Bill was announced during the King’s Speech and allows English Mayors to impose a charge on overnight stays in accommodation such as hotels, guest houses, bed and breakfasts and short term lets.
The proposed legislation aim to enable places to reinvest revenue in local priorities, support economic growth, strengthen public services and improve visitor experiences.
The bill only applies to areas led by the 13 Mayoral Strategic Authorities in England, including London, Manchester and Liverpool and will not be imposed nationally.
Each Mayor will decide whether to introduce the charge and set the rate locally.