Tourist tax risk to North Yorkshire hospitality, councillor warns

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Nov, 06:19 · Archive

A North Yorkshire councillor has warned that a proposed overnight visitor levy could turn hotels and bed-and-breakfasts into unpaid tax collectors and risk driving visitors to neighbouring areas. Harrogate Green Party councillor Mike Schofield has called on York and North Yorkshire Mayor David Skaith to publish a full assessment of the scheme's costs and economic impact. Plans for the charge are moving closer following the introduction of the Visitor Levy Bill in Parliament.

Mr Skaith has confirmed he intends to introduce the levy, describing it as a potential 'total gamechanger' for the region. He is among ten regional mayors committed to keeping any charge at five per cent or below. However, Cllr Schofield, a former publican, has questioned how much money the scheme would generate once collection costs are deducted.

He said hotels and bed-and-breakfasts must calculate charges, maintain records and submit returns, work that 'takes time and money, particularly for smaller businesses'. He warned: 'We hear plenty about how much this tax could raise, but very little about how much it will actually cost to collect.' He also raised concerns that visitors might choose destinations without an equivalent charge.

How it is being reported

• Tourist tax could turn hotels and B&Bs into unpaid tax collectors, councillor claimsA North Yorkshire councillor has warned that a proposed tourist tax could turn hotels and B&Bs into unpaid tax collectors and risk driving visitors away from the county.Darlington & Stockton Times · 14 Nov, 05:00
• Tourist tax could turn hotels and B&Bs into unpaid tax collectors, councillor claimsA North Yorkshire councillor has warned that a proposed tourist tax could turn hotels and B&Bs into unpaid tax collectors and risk driving visitors away from the county.The Northern Echo · 14 Nov, 05:00

In this story: Mike Schofield · David Skaith · North Yorkshire · York and North Yorkshire · Harrogate

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