Tourism: Overnight Visitor Levy Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateDepartment: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Richard Foord
Main Page: Richard Foord (Liberal Democrat - Honiton and Sidmouth)Department Debates - View all Richard Foord's debates with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Tourism: Overnight Visitor Levy
Richard Foord Excerpts(1 month, 1 week ago)
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Jim McMahon
I can certainly commit to look into it and to respond to the hon. Member in writing.
Richard Foord (Honiton and Sidmouth) (LD)
Businesses in Devon have told me of their concern about this proposed visitor levy, including Littlecourt Cottages in Sidmouth. They point out that the tourist footfall might decrease, not just for the cottages, but for the restaurants, the attractions and the shops in the local area. This tax has been dreamed up on the basis of what it will do for cities that see a higher proportion of wealthy overseas visitors, has it not?
Jim McMahon
Of course it has not. First, devolution will be rolled out across the whole country, and significant rural areas are already covered by mayoral strategic authorities. That roll-out will include foundation strategic authorities, which covers places such as Cornwall. As part of the next stage of devolution, we are seeing a grow-out across the south of England and the east of England that will see more coverage. Fundamentally, it is for local leaders and local mayors to get together and work out what is right for their area.