North Yorkshire councillor warns against proposed tourist tax plan

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Nov, 06:08 · Archive

A North Yorkshire councillor has warned a proposed overnight visitor levy could burden hotels and B&Bs with unpaid tax collection duties.

A North Yorkshire councillor has warned that a proposed overnight visitor levy could turn hotels and B&Bs into unpaid tax collectors and risk driving visitors away from the county. Harrogate Green Party councillor Mike Schofield has called on York and North Yorkshire Mayor David Skaith to publish a full assessment of the costs and economic impact of introducing the charge. His concerns come as plans move forward 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 who have committed to keeping any charge at five per cent or below.

Cllr Schofield, a former publican representing Harlow and St Georges, has questioned how much money the scheme would generate once collection costs are accounted for. He said hotels and B&Bs should not have to 'calculate the charges, maintain records and submit returns' without compensation, particularly for smaller businesses. He also raised concerns that visitors could choose neighbouring destinations where no equivalent charge applies, saying 'Visitors have choices'.

North Yorkshire councillor warns against proposed tourist tax plan — Image: York Press

Comments (0)

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.York Press · 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.Gazette & Herald (Malton) · 14 Nov, 05:00

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

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log