Harrogate and Knaresborough MP makes no bones in debate on tourism levy –“if money is raised locally, it must be shaped locally, spent locally, and seen locally”.

Tom Gordon MP spoke in the Westminster Hall debate which will shape the proposed visitor levy- a tax on overnight tourists in England. He supported it in principle but highlighted the need for real involvement of councils and communities in shaping tourism strategy rather than just “passing the buck” to hamstrung regional mayors.

Town and parish councils often support the cultural events that drive tourists to an area. Knaresborough Town Councillor Andy Bell said: “We support local events and even run the local tours which bring vital footfall for our local businesses. We need to see the money from a visitor levy pumped back into the community- to public transport and cleaning to reduce the environmental impact of tourism will improve the town for locals and visitors alike.” 

The policy, which was not mentioned in the Government’s manifesto, has according to the MP been driven by funding gaps rather than a proper tourism strategy. Despite its vast size, York and North Yorkshire mayoralty is operating with less funding than other devolved areas. “Rather than properly funding regions, they hand down a tax and call it empowerment”, said Tom. 

He also raised the question of who would actually be taxed. Day-trippers will pay nothing under the current proposals yet a family from Harrogate staying in Whitby would be taxed for holidaying in their own county. “We can’t seriously be considering a policy that could put a price on a scout camp? On a school trip? On young carers’ residential respite weekends?” he added.

Tom Gordon said:

“If money is raised locally, it must be shaped locally, spent locally, and seen locally. If people can’t see where it goes, they won’t believe a word we say about why it’s being raised… 

Speaking to local hoteliers, it’s clear that if the money comes back into the local visitor economy, then they can make it work. But they’ve been promised reinvestment before… 

If we end up with yet another Labour-imposed tax, it needs to fund the tourism drivers like my long-standing campaign to dual the line between Knaresborough and York or the community campaign to get a restoration package for Knaresborough castle…. 

Without the proper safeguards, this will simply be another pressure on an already stretched sector.”