Mayors could impose tourist taxes in National Parks without formal approval

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 11:02 · Archive

Regional mayors could apply tourism taxes in National Parks without requiring formal approval from National Park Authorities, the Government has indicated. The issue was raised in Parliament by Thirsk and Malton MP Kevin Hollinrake, who asked what safeguards would be in place if a strategic authority sought to introduce an overnight visitor levy in a National Park.

Responding on behalf of the Government, housing minister Jim McMahon said mayors and local leaders would be required to undertake impact assessments and carry out local consultations before implementing a levy. However, he stopped short of saying National Park Authorities would be given a veto. Mr McMahon said consultation 'could include' relevant National Park Authorities. Following consultation, mayors would be expected to publish a summary of responses and explain how feedback had been taken into account.

The comments follow the Government's response to a consultation on introducing visitor accommodation levies, 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. 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 £26 million a year.

Mayors could impose tourist taxes in National Parks without formal approval — Image: The Press (York)

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How it is being reported

Mayors could impose tourist taxes in National Parks without authorities' approvalREGIONAL mayors could apply tourism taxes in National Parks without formal approval from National Park Authorities, ministers have indicated.The Press (York) · 22 Oct, 10:26
Mayors could impose tourist taxes in National Parks without authorities' approvalREGIONAL mayors could apply tourism taxes in National Parks without formal approval from National Park Authorities, ministers have indicated.Gazette & Herald (Malton) · 22 Oct, 10:26

In this story: Jim McMahon · Kevin Hollinrake · David Skaith · National Park Authorities · York and North Yorkshire

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