BCP Council challenges Government over visitor levy, warning the area could 'miss out'
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole could miss out on a new tourist levy unveiled in last month’s budget
BCP Council is seeking “clarity” from central government after warning that Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole could miss out on a new visitor levy intended to specifically help the local visitor economy.
The levy, also known as a tourist tax, was announced during the government’s budget in November which would enable strategic mayoral authorities to charge visitors for overnight trips to hotels, holiday lets and B&Bs.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole welcome more than 10 million visitors each year but would miss out on the levy as it is not strategic mayoral authority.
Councillor Richard Herrett has written to the government calling for clarification on whether non-mayoral areas could access the levy or apply it at a local level.
He said: “We welcome the Chancellor’s announcement that a levy will be possible to introduce on overnight stays at hotels, holiday lets and B&Bs.
“We value the 10 million visitors we welcome to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole every year, but we also experience significant additional pressures across the area as a result.
“We need to keep our beaches and towns clean, keep residents and visitors safe and manage parking and other travel into the area.
“Tourists are key to our economy, but this costs money, and being able to apply a levy to visitors would mean that our residents aren’t bearing this burden.”
BCP Council along with Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire Council has been lobbying government for devolved powers and funding.
The visitor levy has become another flashpoint in a long-running debate about whether areas without elected mayors are being overlooked in national policy.
For a coastal conurbation that relies heavily on tourism, the implications are stark. Seasonal influxes place pressure on beaches, public spaces, transport networks and safety services, costs that are largely borne by local residents.
Council leaders argue that a visitor levy would offer a fairer balance, ensuring tourists contribute directly to the infrastructure and services they use.