Tourist tax 'a mental idea' says Mayor of the Tees Valley

VIEW OPPOSITE TO THAT OF NORTH EAST MAYOR, WHO IS BACKING LEVY

- By DANIEL HODGSON

THE Tees Valley Mayor has branded tourist tax as a 'mental idea,' while a neighbouring mayor has spoken positively about the proposals.

Conservative Mayor Ben Houchen was asked for his view on the concept of a tourist tax, following North East Labour Mayor Kim McGuinness' comments to a parliamentary select committee earlier in the week, where she suggested that a tourist tax on hotel stays could be edging closer.

The North East Mayor told MPs that metro mayors need to be given more financial powers, including the ability to put a levy on hotel stays in the North East.

While Ms McGuinness announced plans for a £1 a night tax on hotel stays in the North East during her campaign to become the region's mayor, Mr Houchen has repeatedly said that he would never introduce a mayoral tax, making the statement during his previous terms as mayor as well as during his current term.