Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of a visitor levy on the affordability of domestic holidays for UK families; and whether she plans to mitigate additional costs for lower income families.

The Government has announced powers for Mayors to introduce a visitor levy on short-term overnight accommodation in their region, to drive economic growth including through support for the local visitor economy, if they so choose.

At Budget, the Government published a consultation so that the public, businesses, and local government could shape the design of these powers. This consultation closed on the 18th of February and the Government will publish a response in due course.

The impacts of the levy will largely be determined by local decisions. Mayors will decide whether to introduce a levy and, if so, consult on specific proposals. We expect Mayors to engage constructively with businesses and their communities to hear their concerns.