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UK Gives English Mayors Power to Levy Visitor Tax

By Drooid · Sep 11, 2026, 11:10 AM UTC · How we work

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UK Government Levies

On 10 September 2026 the UK government announced that English mayors will be empowered to levy an overnight visitor tax on tourists.
Critics warn the uncapped levy will raise holiday costs for households already struggling with the cost-of-living crisis and threaten hospitality jobs.
UKHospitality says a 5 % levy could cut visits by 12 million and cost 33 000 jobs.
Edinburgh already imposes a 5 % visitor levy as a local revenue model.

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Mayors Reject Levy

On 10 September 2026 the UK government gave English mayors authority to levy an overnight visitor tax on tourists.
Conservative and Reform UK mayors said they will reject the levy, labeling it anti-growth and a burden on families.
UKHospitality estimates a 5 % levy would add about £99 to a one-week London hotel stay.
It could cost the hospitality sector up to £1.6 billion nationwide, UKHospitality warns.

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Mayors Propose Levy

The UK government announced on 10 September 2026 that English mayors may levy an overnight visitor tax on tourists.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham framed the levy as a devolution measure giving regional leaders control over locally raised revenue.
The optional levy will be percentage-based, modest despite having no statutory cap.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said levy would cap at 5% and could raise £350 million annually.

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UK Government Levies

On 10 September 2026 the UK government announced that English mayors will be empowered to levy an overnight visitor tax on tourists.
Critics warn the uncapped levy will raise holiday costs for households already struggling with the cost-of-living crisis and threaten hospitality jobs.
UKHospitality says a 5 % levy could cut visits by 12 million and cost 33 000 jobs.
Edinburgh already imposes a 5 % visitor levy as a local revenue model.

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