Concern over tourist tax powers in North York Moors National Park
Regional mayors could apply tourism taxes in National Parks without formal approval from National Park Authorities, ministers have indicated.
The issue was raised in Parliament by Thirsk and Malton MP Kevin Hollinrake, who asked the Government what safeguards would be in place if a strategic authority sought to introduce an overnight visitor levy in a National Park.
The Conservative MP also asked whether the consent of National Park Authorities would be required before a levy could be introduced.
Responding on behalf of the Government, housing minister Jim McMahon said mayors and local leaders would be required to undertake impact assessments and consult locally before implementing any visitor levy.
However, he stopped short of saying National Park Authorities would be given a veto.
Mr McMahon said: “Mayors and local leaders will be required to undertake impact assessments and carry out local consultations before implementing a levy. This could include consultation with relevant National Park Authorities.”
He added that, following consultation, mayors would be expected to publish a summary of responses and explain how feedback had been taken into account.
The comments come after the Government published its response to a consultation on introducing visitor accommodation levies, often described as tourist taxes, allowing strategic authorities and mayors to consider charging overnight visitors.
Mr McMahon said local leaders would also be able to exempt certain types of accommodation from any levy.
“This approach gives leaders the tools to respond to local circumstances,” he said.
A report by York St John University, commissioned by York and North Yorkshire’s Mayor David Skaith, found that a £1-a-night visitor levy on overnight stays in York and North Yorkshire could raise up to £26m a year.
Labour’s regional mayors in England, including Mr Skaith, have pledged to cap a new fee on visitors’ overnight stays at five per cent, after hospitality bosses warned it could put jobs at risk.
Under the proposals, exemptions could potentially include tent pitches, touring caravan pitches and hostels, subject to local consultation.
Large parts of both the North York Moors National Park and Yorkshire Dales National Park rely heavily on tourism.
Mr Hollinrake has previously raised concerns about the potential impact of visitor levies on tourism businesses and rural economies.
The Government has not yet announced whether any mayoral authority will introduce a visitor accommodation levy.