The possibility of a tourist tax being introduced in Cornwall moved a step closer today with the announcement that mayors and foundation strategic authorities will be given the power to charge an overnight levy on visitors.
The news comes just a couple of weeks after Prime Minister Andy Burnham told us he would be keen to give Cornwall Council the power to make that choice.
With today's announcement, local leaders will be allowed to bring in an uncapped levy, dubbed a tourist tax, as a percentage of the cost of hotels, bed and breakfasts and other types of accommodation, rather than a flat fee.
Many hospitality leaders are not happy with the proposal, saying it could lead to job losses as holidaying families feel the extra pinch. UK Hospitality has written to the Prime Minister urging him to consider plans for a 'holiday bonus' instead, as households continue to struggle with the cost of living.
It is understood the levy would have no upper limit, though Government sources said mayors and strategic authorities were unlikely to make it too costly, with most indicating it would be a few per cent.
To see all the planning applications, traffic diversions, road layout changes, alcohol licence applications and more in your area, visit the Public Notice Portal HERE
Under the plans, mayors and leaders of foundation strategic authorities, which cover some regions without a mayor, with Cornwall likely to be announced as a strategic authority without a mayor in the coming weeks, would need to clarify by March 2028 how they would spend the new revenue.
Two cities in England already run their own voluntary schemes: a £1 per room, per night City Visitor Charge in Manchester, introduced when Burnham was mayor, and a £2 nightly charge in Liverpool. There is also a similar charge levied in Edinburgh.
During an interview while in Truro last month, the Prime Minister told [CornwallLive](https://www.cornwalllive
Cornwall Tourist Tax Moves a Step Closer