Yorkshire businesses and visitors react as mayors get tourist tax powers
Business owners in Yorkshire are expressing concern over new powers granted to regional mayors that allow for the implementation of a tourist tax. While some fear the levy could deter visitors, others suggest it could provide necessary funding for local communities if capped at a reasonable rate.
Why it matters
The debate highlights the tension between local government revenue generation and the economic health of the hospitality sector.
Image source, BBC/Aisha Iqbal Image caption, Gift shop owner Louise Turner says tourists are vital to her store's success
Business owners in Yorkshire have said any "tourist tax" introduced under new powers for mayors must be set at a reasonable cost to avoid putting off visitors.
Regional mayors in England are set to gain powers to impose an uncapped levy in their areas.
The overnight charge would be paid as a percentage of the cost of staying in hotels, bed and breakfasts and other types of accommodation.
Millions of pounds could be raised through the policy, which leaders are suggesting could be ring-fenced for tourism-related purposes, but others fear it could deter visitors.
Louise Turner owns gift shop and ice cream parlour LoobyLou's in Haworth, West Yorkshire, which attracts visitors from around the globe due to it being the home of the Brontë family.
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