York and North Yorkshire Mayor David Skaith suggested a tourist tax. (Image: Getty)
Beautiful UK seaside towns could implement a “European-style” to potentially bring in “millions” in an attempt to revitalise local economies.
Local leaders reportedly discussed with Rachel Reeves the possibility of being given the
Staycation hotspots like Scarborough and Whitby could use the funds to “enhance the tourism and leisure sector”, York and North Yorkshire Mayor David Skaith said.
He told : “The amount of visitors we get to Scarborough, you’re talking millions. It has huge scope to bring fresh investment into that region to really support the offering, and also really enhance that tourism and leisure sector.
“Our coastal areas are undoubtedly our most deprived areas, and need the most love and support. That kind of fresh
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Mr Skaith claimed Scarborough could make millions from a tourist tax. (Image: Getty)
“[But] it’s got to be done in an open and transparent way. People have got to understand how it’s been collated and what it’s being used for.”
In Scarborough specifically, Mr Skaith suggested allocating , whereas in Whitby, money is needed for affordable housing.
He also claimed the Government were open to a tourist tax, saying engagement with the idea had been “really good”.
Neither the central government nor local councils in England have the , but reports have shown how much money they could generate.
[REPORT]
The Institute for Fiscal Studies estimated that a tax of £1 per person per night would raise roughly £420 million a year, and the Northern Powerhouse Partnership estimated £428 million.
In Scotland, councils can implement tourist taxes after new legislation was passed in 2024.
Last month, to introduce one. It forces visitors to pay an extra 5% per night, capped at seven nights. The move is anticipated to generate up to £50 million a year for the local authority.