North Somerset Council could be changing its mind on introducing a tourist tax in Weston-super-Mare
Council rethinks tourism charge to support local economy and infrastructure
Last updated 27th Nov 2025
North Somerset Council could be changing its mind on whether to introduce a tourist tax in towns like Weston-super-Mare.
Local government secretary Steve Reed announced yesterday (November 25) that mayors would soon be able to introduce a charge on overnight stays “if it’s right for their area” to reinvest in transport, infrastructure, and the visitor economy. It is the first time most local areas have had the power to introduce a tourist tax — but the idea has often been talked about.
In 2024, volunteer litter pickers called for one to be introduced in Weston-super-Mare to keep the town clean. North Somerset Council leader Mike Bell (Weston-super-Mare Central, Liberal Democrat) said at the time it was not the “right answer” but now — amid serious pressure on council finances — he said would review the detail of how a tourist tax could work.
Mr Bell said: “Our visitor economy is worth nearly £200m a year and employs a large number of local people and is an important sector for us. I have previously been sceptical about the benefit of a tourist tax.
“Thanks to high levels of VAT the UK tourism industry operates at a disadvantage compared to European towns and cities. Holidays here attract 20 per cent VAT but in most of Europe it is just five per cent. We have to be careful not to make that price disadvantage worse.
“However, we must also ensure that the tourism industry does not place an additional burden on our already stretched local government finances, and if a tourism tax enables us to reinvest the income in services that make the area better for both visitors and our residents then I look forward to reviewing the detailed proposals in due course.”
North Somerset Council has a £25m black hole in its budget for the next financial year, largely driven by the increasing cost of and demand for social care, and is currently speaking to the government about “exceptional financial support.” That could mean an exceptional council tax rise of more than five per cent.
Mr Reed’s announcement of the policy — the latest in a series of policies trailed by the Labour government ahead of the budget — indicated that the power to introduce a tourist tax will lie with metro mayors. North Somerset does not currently have a metro mayor but it is in the process of joining the West of England Combined Authority, with councillors having voted in September to begin developing and consulting on a membership proposal.
West of England Mayor Helen Godwin (Labour) said: “Residents and visitors alike know how special our part of the world is, from our people to our culture to our nature. Tourism is now worth a record £2.7 billion to the West’s economy, which is a key industry for our new Growth Strategy over the coming decade.
“These new powers are a real vote of confidence in our region taking more control of our future. Proceeds from an overnight visitor levy, that people from across the West are used to paying on holiday ourselves, have the potential to support and enhance the sector’s businesses and workers – including with better transport options.”
Weston-super-Mare is one of the country’s most iconic Victorian seaside resorts. As with similar towns, it suffered a decline in tourism since its heyday as cheap international holidays became popular over the last 50 years but its beach and seaside attractions such as the Grand Pier remain major drivers of tourism in the town.
North Somerset Council is currently working on bringing Birnbeck Pier back to life after receiving funding from the Levelling Up Fund and a host of sources to restore the derelict structure. Work is also underway at the Tropicana to turn the former lido into a “nationally significant” venue for culture, arts, and entertainment.
North Somerset also includes the nearby towns of Clevedon, Portishead, and Nailsea, as well as Bristol Airport.