The Government is being asked to clarify plans for a new visitor levy after warnings that Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole could miss out on funding intended to support the local visitor economy.
The levy, announced in last month’s budget, would allow councils in Strategic Mayoral Authority areas to charge visitors for overnight stays in hotels, holiday lets and Bed and Breakfasts, bringing the UK closer to arrangements already used in some international tourist destinations.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole attracts more than ten million visitors every year, but concerns have been raised that the area would not be able to apply the levy because it does not currently fall within a Strategic Mayoral Authority.
As part of the Wessex Partnership with Dorset, Wiltshire and Somerset councils, the authority has been setting out to Government how devolved powers and funding could benefit residents and businesses, warning that areas without them risk missing out on support linked to tourism.
Councillor Richard Herrett has written to Housing Secretary Steve Reed seeking confirmation that non mayoral areas could introduce the levy locally and that any money raised would be retained and invested within Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
He said visitor numbers bring added pressures around cleaning, safety, transport and destination management, and that a locally applied levy could help ensure residents are not bearing those costs alone.
Local Business Improvement Districts and the Destination Management Board have backed the call, while a twelve week national consultation on the proposal is now running.
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