By GB News (Politics) | Created at 2026-09-14 23:01:42 | Updated at 2026-09-14 23:42:47
41 minutes ago
Andy Burnham has introduced powers for 14 regional mayors to implement an unlimited overnight visitor levy on tourists and GB News has worked out which of the areas could be affected.
Despite objections, the Prime Minister announced the change last week that will see tax be worked out at a percentage of the accommodation charges rather than a flat fixed fee.
The change is set to affect hotels, B&Bs and holiday lets in England.
Labour-run areas are likely to set the percentage at five per cent, with it likely to be introduced in late 2027 to early 2028.
Labour councils have the largest spread of constituencies to impose the tax, with a large concentration in the north of England.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said he “strongly” welcomed the plans unveiled by Mr Burnham and while he did not give an exact figure, he confirmed that the cost in London would not exceed five per cent.
Labour mayors across England echoed his sentiment, confirming they had listened to concerns over cost.
In a letter to Chancellor John Healey and Local Government Secretary Angela Rayner, the Labour metro mayors said five per cent represented a "reasonable ceiling" on the tax.
Fourteen regional mayors across England have the potential to implement the tax on Britons staying overnight 
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They said: “It provides a balance of ensuring that local levies are not excessive, or vary significantly between regions, while also leaving room for local variation as appropriate.”
They also added that it will allow for "meaningful investment" in local areas, as well as stressing that any future levies would be "subject to local consultation".
The letter was signed by Labour mayors in London, Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, West Midlands, North East, West of England, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, East Midlands and York and North Yorkshire.
Whilst the move has been supported by Labour mayors, it has faced opposition from other parties.
Reform and the Conservatives have said they will oppose the levy 
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Conservative Shadow Housing Secretary David Simmonds said: "VAT is already charged at 20 per cent on hotels - much higher than in other countries - and now they'll pay VAT on this tourism tax too: a Labour double whammy."
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said his party's two mayors in Greater Lincolnshire and Hull and East Yorkshire "won't touch" the levy, which he described as a "holiday tax".
Ben Houchen, Conservative mayor for Tees Valley, responded to the announcement on X saying: "I won’t be using this power. There will be no tourist tax in Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool for as long as I'm Mayor.
"Thanks, but no thanks."
Mayors who implement the tax will be allowed to offer exemptions, such as for campsites.
However, they will not be able exempt whole localities within their regions from the tax, to avoid confusion for tourists.
The Government said it would introduce a bill to Parliament in "due course," and it will apply to both Britons and international visitors.
Two cities already run a voluntary levy a £1 per room, per night. City Visitor Charge introduced it in Manchester while Mr Burnham was mayor, while Liverpool charges £2 per night.
