Tourist tax plans for England set to be outlined

Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Cities like London are expected to use the new powers to introduce a levy on overnight stays

Plans to give mayors in England the power to introduce a levy on tourists are expected to be outlined on Thursday.

Under the proposals, a fee would be charged to people staying overnight and local leaders would decide how the revenue raised should be reinvested.

The idea - dubbed the tourist tax - was first raised by Sir Keir Starmer's government in November and is similar to a scheme running in Scotland.

The levy will be charged as a percentage of the cost of accommodation, rather than as a flat fee - a move the government argues will protect budget holidays.

In theory, there will be no upper limit - though ministers are said to believe mayors are unlikely to make it too expensive.