'No plans' for tourism tax, says PM's office

HERE are “no plans” to introduce a tourism tax in England, Downing Street said, amid claims that Angela Rayner's efforts to bring one in were rebuffed by the Treasury.

- DAVID LYNCH AND DAVID HUGHES

The Deputy Prime Minister has been pushing for councils to be allowed to introduce a tax on tourism in their areas as part of the Government’s devolution agenda, according to several media reports.

Rachel Reeves, however, is said to have blocked the move for fear it would reduce revenues for businesses struggling with higher national insurance contributions and a rise in the minimum wage already brought in by the Government.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman would not be drawn into saying whether there were plans for such a tax.

“We have previously said there’s no plans to introduce a tourism tax in England,” the spokesman said.