Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of visitor levies on accommodation providers such as (1) the Scouts and Girl Guides, (2) youth hostels, and (3) shelters.

Decisions on whether to introduce a levy will be for strategic authorities, subject to consultation. Strategic authorities will also have the option to exempt certain types of accommodation in their areas, such as tent pitches, touring caravan pitches and dormitory-style accommodation like hostels, as well as a national exemption for shelters. This approach gives local leaders the tools to respond to local challenges and opportunities, including affordability concerns.

The impacts of the levy will be determined by local decisions. Strategic authorities will be required to consult before introducing a levy, and we expect local leaders to engage constructively with businesses and communities and to publish an assessment of the impact of their proposals. Evidence from international and domestic schemes suggests that modest rates have limited or minimal impact on visitor numbers.