Yorkshire Coast Divided as Consultation on Proposed "Tourism Tax" Set to Close

A 12-week government consultation to determine whether regional mayors in England should be granted the power to introduce a visitor levy on overnight stays is due to end later this month.

The proposal has sparked a significant debate along the Yorkshire Coast, where local leaders and residents are weighing the promise of "game-changing" investment against fears for an industry already grappling with rising costs.

The potential levy, which could apply to hotels, bed and breakfasts, and short-term lets, is intended to fund local infrastructure and services. However, in coastal communities such as Whitby, Scarborough, and Filey, the prospect of an additional charge on visitors has met with a mixture of optimism and deep-seated concern.

Whitby Councillors Split on Potential Benefits

In Whitby, the conversation highlights the tension between the need for infrastructure funding and the desire for regional fairness. Councillor Neil Swannick has expressed a measured openness to the proposal, suggesting it could provide a much-needed boost for local travel links. He stated:

"I cautiously welcome the tourism tax depending on what is done with the money and where it is spent because I do want it to be spent on other things than tourism and it can be spent on for example transport infrastructure.

I'm also very keen that the levy if it is to be brought in is levied equally and it's not just hotels that are expected to collect it but also short-term lets especially through letting agencies and so on are also expected to pay for it."

In contrast, fellow Whitby representative Phil Trumper has raised objections, primarily focused on whether the revenue would actually reach the coast. He commented:

"I have concerns about tourist tax.

I'm not 100% supportive of it. In fact, I don't at the moment I'm not I don't support it.

I do have concerns that it will be spent in where the money is being collected. I think it'll be spent in York."

Concerns for a "Sector Under Pressure"

This local divide reflects a broader regional disagreement regarding the economic impact of the tax. Kevin Hollinrake, the MP for Filey and Pickering, has hit out at the plan, arguing that it will "hit the tourism industry" and the "rural economy" at a time when families are already struggling. Conversely, David Skaith, the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, views the levy as a way to "turbocharge" investment into things like transport connectivity for both residents and visitors.

In Scarborough, town councillors have sounded a note of caution, highlighting that accommodation providers are already facing a "perfect storm" of higher national insurance and rising business rates. Councillor Sarah Mason argued that without legal "ring-fencing," there is a risk that money raised in Scarborough could be spent elsewhere. Alison Hume, the MP for Scarborough and Whitby, has echoed these calls for transparency, insisting that coastal communities, which she describes as the "jewel in the crown," must be the primary beneficiaries of funds raised in their towns.

Perspectives from the East Riding

To the south, the debate reaches the East Riding towns of Bridlington, Hornsea, and Driffield. Mayor Luke Campbell has adopted a more cautious stance, suggesting that a mandatory levy might not be right for a region where businesses are already struggling. He has tasked officers with assessing whether a voluntary contribution might be a more appropriate fit for the area.

Beyond the financial allocation, there are also questions about the fairness and practicality of policing such a tax. Scarborough Councillor Janet Jefferson raised concerns about how the levy would be applied consistently across different types of accommodation and whether it would be fair to all operators.

Have Your Say

The government has stated that it will be up to local leaders to decide if a modest charge is right for their specific area. Businesses, residents, and interested parties across the Yorkshire Coast are being encouraged to share their views before the consultation closes on 18th February.

The consultation can be found on the official government website at: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/overnight-visitor-levy-in-england.

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