Mendip Ward BaNES – in need of Reform…

The BaNES Council Lib Dem majority have been discussing a tax on tourism, hotel stays and landlords providing short term lets.

Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council stated in his newsletter, “Yesterday, I convened a discussion with fellow council leaders, Cllr Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council and Cllr Cameron Holloway, Leader of Cambridge City Council together with our Cabinet Member for Resources Cllr Mark Elliott (pictured). Both Cllr Brown and Cllr Cameron are from heritage-rich, destination cities like ours. These places welcome millions of visitors each year and, as a result, face significant pressures on infrastructure, public services and the public realm. Together, we’re calling on central government to recognise both the value we bring to the national visitor economy and the local costs we shoulder in doing so.

One idea gaining traction is the introduction of a tourism or visitor levy – a modest charge on overnight stays, similar to what many of us have experienced abroad. The revenue raised would be reinvested locally to support the infrastructure and services that make these visits possible. If such a levy were introduced, it would be vital to ensure it applies fairly across all types of accommodation, including short-term lets.”

This is likely to put downward pressure on tourism and upward pressure on rents and housing costs, and again shows that the Lib Dems are a party of increasing taxation.

https://mailchi.mp/bathnes/econnect_july_3_2025?e=05adecb40d