Domestic Travel and Holidays: Visitor Levy
Debate between Earl of Clancarty and Lord Lemos(1 week, 3 days ago)
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Lord Lemos (Lab)
I thank the noble Baroness for setting out the Government’s plan so clearly, and in doing so enjoying so much support from behind me. This visitor levy is really important; it exists in every G7 country. I am sorry—I do not want to be completely flippant because this is really important. Of course, we expect local authorities, mayors, to take proper decisions about how to fund these things, and to grow their economy.
The Earl of Clancarty (CB)
My Lords, we see from the polls that have been done that the use of a visitor levy for the support of museums, theatres and other tourist attractions would be popular, not least because most visitors to our cities, whether domestic or international, come for the arts and culture. I hear what the Minister says about decision-making, but does he appreciate the helpful circularity, in that support for our culture in this way would further stimulate hospitality, including the hotel and restaurant trades?
Lord Lemos (Lab)
I absolutely agree with that, and I should declare my interest as a former chair of English Heritage, so I have first-hand experience of these matters. The costs of visitor attractions are what economists call externalities, and this visitor levy will help redress them.
Visas: Highly Skilled People
Debate between Earl of Clancarty and Lord Lemos
The Earl of Clancarty (CB)
My Lords, would the Minister agree that one of the problems with the immigration system for attracting exceptional emerging talent in the creative industries from abroad—it is the emerging talent we should be concentrating on—is that its inflexibility does not allow for the realities of this sector, where short-term contracts and portfolio careers, for example, are the norm? Are the Government looking at this?
Lord Lemos (Lab)
I thank the noble Lord for that question. It is an issue that he has raised before, and one about which I am concerned. Indeed, I addressed it in my maiden speech. As I have already said, we announced on 14 October that we will aim to double the number of highly skilled people coming to the UK on the high skilled routes, precisely to address the issues he raises relating to the creative sectors.