Tourism: Overnight Visitor Levy

Baroness Keeley Excerpts

Thursday 17th September 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

There is no intention for the funds raised to be squandered, but a ring-fenced approach smacks of centralism. It is critical that local areas can determine their needs. I come from an area that has benefited enormously from investment in cultural and sporting events that have brought huge benefits, not least round-the-clock coverage from an aerial perspective of the beautiful sights of Yorkshire, for example. There are so many ways that this can be done. We are not ring-fencing because it would not be in the spirit of devolution, but we are very mindful of the comments that the noble Earl has made.

[Baroness Keeley (Lab)]

My Lords, Italy raises €1.3 billion per year from tourist taxes, with more than 1,400 municipalities implementing the tax. They have a different approach. They earmark the funds to support local tourism, protect cultural heritage and manage the environment. Given that tourists who visit the UK benefit greatly from our cultural offerings, including free entry to our museums, does my noble friend agree with my hope that mayors and strategic authorities—it is right that they should decide these things—will channel the funds for culture as well as other support for tourism?

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

My noble friend raises a point on a similar theme. From my experience of working with the business rates retention pilot back in the day, I know that the most important thing is that we get the right partners around the table in those localities. The businesses and enterprises that my noble friend refers to need to have a voice around that table. It is critical that events and opportunities that attract more visitors have full representation and encourage investment that will make visitors feel welcome, looked after, safe and all those things that matter on a wider perspective.