CornwallLive readers are divided on the news that the prospect of a tourist tax in Cornwall has moved a step closer. The Government has announced that mayors and strategic authorities will be given powers to introduce an overnight visitor levy.
The announcement follows Prime Minister Andy Burnham's recent support for giving Cornwall Council the power to introduce one.
The levy could be based on a percentage of accommodation costs, with no national cap. Government sources suggest most authorities are likely to charge only a few per cent. Cornwall is expected to become a strategic authority without a mayor in the coming weeks. Authorities introducing a levy would have to explain by March 2028 how the money would be spent.
Manchester already charges £1 per room per night, while Liverpool charges £2. Similar schemes operate elsewhere in Europe.
Mr Burnham said tourists already pay similar charges abroad and argued that a small levy could provide Cornwall with a significant new source of revenue to help fund services and infrastructure used by visitors.
The issue was discussed by Cornwall Council on September 10. Cllr Sarah Preece said more detail was needed and that businesses, residents and councillors would be consulted before any decision was made. She described the proposal as 'a potential gift and also a potential burden'.
Supporters argue the levy could generate much needed investment in Cornwall's visitor economy and help fund services under pressure during the tourist season. However, parts of the hospitality industry fear it could make Cornwall more expensive, discourage visitors and cost seasonal jobs.
The debate will now focus on whether Cornwall should introduce a levy, how much it should be and, crucially, how the money would be spent.
Darren D says: “I come down to Cornwall several times a year, and I wouldn’t object to paying a tax. Local people pay council tax for services that I also use when I’m there. If the money genuinely goes towards local services and is used for the right things, I’d be happy to pay.”
Fred E disagrees: “I pay tax to the British government. I think that’s enough! I for one won’t be coming to Cornwall again if they introduce a tourist tax and I grew up down there. It's my home and I have friends and family down there. I already pay 20% vat on all the services I use down there. I’m not paying any more, don't drive tourists away!”
Nigel G adds: “and when people from Cornwall come and stay in your neck of the woods are they not using services that you paid for? It should be swings and roundabouts, but as usual the authorities want to be paid twice for offering the poorest service they can get away with.”
Christine M writes: “I would object. I already pay taxes towards these services. Holidays within the UK should be tax free for British citizens. If a tourist tax is introduced, it should be paid by visitors coming into the UK, just as we are charged taxes when we holiday abroad.”
Dave B agrees: “I’ve been holidaying in Cornwall since the late fifties and had three holidays this year in the Duchy. I refuse to pay another tax in this over taxed bureaucratic country so I will be going abroad in future. Yes I’ll probably pay tourist tax there, but better climes.”
Max R feels differently: “If set at a sensible rate, this is a long overdue initiative. The additional revenue could help reduce the burden of our already extortionate water bills and council tax. I suspect most people living in Cornwall would have little objection to paying a similar tax when visiting other parts of the UK, provided it was set at a reasonable and affordable rate.”
Danny P replies: “Yes, it sounds like a good idea, provided the money is used to fund the extra beach cleaning, toilet cleaning and other services needed when the population increases dramatically over the summer.”
Christine H adds: I totally agree. We’ve paid it in France, Spain and Switzerland this year, and it was only a small amount, so no big deal. Cornwall desperately needs the extra revenue to provide adequate toilet facilities and other services for everyone.”
David S warns: “I’m English but live in Ireland and visit the UK four or five times a year, usually including Cornwall. Rising costs already mean I’ll make one less trip next year, which means at least £2,000 less spent in the UK on travel, accommodation, food and sightseeing. So please be careful with this proposed tax. Don’t be greedy. A room tax would be more reasonable than a bed tax. In fact, my brother and I are meeting in Spain instead, as it’s cheaper for me to spend a week there than travel to England to visit him.”
Popdiping agrees: “Prices are already sky high in much of Cornwall. Adding another tax could be the nail in the coffin for some businesses.”
David B suggests: “Maybe they could give it as a subsidy to hospitality businesses who will lose customers? Or maybe, just don’t do it?”
Barrie N states: “I’m paying nothing extra. Cornwall already charges tourists enough for accommodation and food. Without tourists, Cornwall would just be another place on the map. We’re the ones helping keep the local economy going, and now you want to tax us for visiting? No thanks.”
Cornwall Tourist Tax Moves Closer as Readers Warn