How government's new tourist tax could be implemented in Calderdale
A so-called tourist tax could soon be brought in to Calderdale.
The government proposal would see mayors given the power to impose a fee on overnight stays, as a percentage of the cost of accommodation.
The levy would be uncapped, although it is expected to be around five percent.
The government says the proposal is part of a devolution drive “to shift power out of Westminster” and would see money invested into high streets, public transport, and events, to boost tourism and drive growth.
Some have criticised the proposal, saying it could put jobs at risk and increase the cost of a family holiday, while others have embraced it, saying it will help areas to invest in culture and grow the economy.
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin agreed that mayors should get the new powers to introduce an overnight visitor levy, adding that similar arrangements are in place in other European countries.
Ms Brabin said: “Devolution is delivering and it is right that mayors get these new powers to introduce an overnight visitor levy.
“Our beautiful region has so much to offer; from Brontë Country to the Hepworth Gallery, the rolling moors to our bustling city nightlife, arts and theatre to beautiful architecture.
“By asking people to make a small contribution, like in many other European countries, we can continue to invest in culture, grow our economy and ensure people want to visit for generations to come.”
Husband and wife Rachel Craw and Phil Milston reopened the Lindores B&B in Todmorden earlier this year, after it had closed in 2020.
The pair said that while they support measures to provide a contribution to the area, they feel that bringing in a so-called tourist tax could create “unnecessary administrative costs and complexity.”
They suggested bringing in the levy could put “an additional burden on local tourism businesses and their guests.”
Rachel and Phil said: “As a small B&B in the growing tourism destination of Todmorden, we support measures that provide a fair and sustainable contribution to the local area.
“However, we feel that introducing an additional levy on visitors and small local businesses could create unnecessary administrative costs and complexity.
“It may be worth considering whether there are simpler and more effective ways to generate additional revenue without placing an additional burden on local tourism businesses and their guests.”
Once implemented, hotels and accommodation providers will be responsible for paying the levy to strategic authorities and mayors.
In a statement released earlier in September, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said the government would “work closely” with accommodation providers and local leaders to “make sure it is as simple as possible to administer.
The statement added that a bill would be introduced “in due course” to implement the levy, and that mayors and Foundation Strategic Authorities leaders are expected to set out spending plans by early 2028.
The most recent available data shows that, in 2024, Calderdale welcomed 1.733million staying visitors, worth £179.79million.
In the same year, around 7.851million stayed in Calderdale for a holiday or short break with an economic impact of £650million.
The data says Calderdale has more than 150 hotels, B&Bs, serviced apartments and self-catering lets, amounting to more than 2,530 bedspaces.