Tourism tax 'will do harm to struggling businesses in rural areas'

A NEW 'tourism tax' risks doing harm to rural businesses trying to attract more visitors, a North East council leader has claimed.

- DANIEL HOLLAND

The Government announced ahead of Rachel Reeves’ Budget that local mayors, including Kim McGuinness, will get the power to impose a new visitor levy on overnight stays in their regions.

Ms McGuinness has long championed the idea of a £1-per-night charge on North East hotel stays in order to raise revenue that could be reinvested in cultural attractions and events.

But Northumberland County Council leader Glen Sanderson has cautioned against imposing such a levy, versions of which are already in force in areas including Manchester and Liverpool.