Brighton and Hove City Council considering tourist tax

Caroline Cartellieri, a non-executive director at Europ Assistance, a travel insurance business, has suggested that Brighton should implement a £5 charge for tourists to tackle overcrowding.

“As over-tourism continues to challenge popular UK seaside destinations like Brighton, innovative solutions are crucial," she told the Daily Express.

“House prices have risen by nearly 20 per cent since 2022, the city has over 4,000 holiday rentals, and finding a spot to relax on the beach is nearly impossible.

“A £5 (or more) day-tripper tax could be added to parking charges or train fares, or paid via an app.”

Ms Cartellieri said that the charge could alleviate litter, noise pollution, traffic and more.

Councillor Bella Sankey, leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, said the city “welcomes” tourists who are a crucial part of its economy.

She said: “Tourism is a hugely important part of our local economy and the 11 million visitors who come to our city each year will always be welcome here.

Council leader Bella Sankey did not rule out a tourist tax in Brighton

“But we’re not immune to the impact of the national housing crises or the financial challenges facing local authorities across the UK.

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“We need new powers to regulate the number of short-term lets and legislation which would allow us to charge a tourism tax.

“This may be something as simple as looking to add a small charge to the cost of overnight hotel stays and is not something I believe would deter visitors.

“It would, however, be money we could then reinvest in our amazing city and ensure it remains the vibrant and welcoming place residents are proud of and so many millions of people love to visit.”

Councillor Mitchie Alexander, Brighton and Hove City Council cabinet member for culture, heritage and tourism, said the council has requested the powers to implement the tax from the government.

She said: “Tourism taxes are common across Europe, with countries like Germany, France, Spain and Greece all successfully implementing small charges without any noticeable drop in visitor numbers.

“They are a simple way for councils to generate vital extra income which can then be used to not only promote sustainable tourism but to bolster economic growth and regeneration.

“We have asked the government to give serious thought to giving us enhanced powers in this area - particularly when there is no evidence from anywhere which has already introduced one to say it puts people off visiting.

“A tourist tax would raise important extra funds for the council which could then be reinvested in the city and I’m sure this would be incredibly popular with residents and visitors alike.”

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In July, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole became the first coastal resort in the country to introduce a visitor charge. It costs about £2 per night per room for those staying in hotels overnight.

It is believed the move could generate more than £12 million over five years which will go towards improving the area.

Tourism Alliance boss Richard Toomer has said that tourists are already highly taxed and that they don’t need any more “piling on”.

Mr Toomer said: “Tourists in this country are already very highly taxed, especially in comparison to other countries.

“Our 20 per cent VAT rate which tourists pay on their overnight accommodation is much higher than most other countries – even those which have a dedicated tourist tax.

“This is one reason why the World Economic Forum ranks the UK as 113 out of 119 countries for price competitiveness.

“We need to be tackling that problem, not making it worse by piling more taxes and costs on tourists – especially those who choose to stay overnight in destinations like Brighton who actually contribute a lot to the local economy.

“We recognise the pressure on local authorities which is why we would support them retaining some of the VAT already paid by tourists in the local area to help fund tourism marketing and local amenities enjoyed by both tourists and locals alike.”

Conservative Brighton and Hove City councillor Alistair McNair for Patcham and Hollingbury has also responded to the proposals.

Cllr Mcnair said: “The Labour council have just realised that they've been charging motorists far too much over the years and seen a massive fall in revenue. Now they want to introduce a tourist tax.

“How does that make sense? We'd kill off tourism just as we killed off car users, which includes the disabled and families. People would just go to Eastbourne or Worthing. How would it work?

“Would it just be hotels and bed and breakfasts? Where does that leave AirBnbs?

“If it is extended to restaurants and cafes then wouldn't residents pay as well? “Will residents and tourists who already think Brighton is expensive want to pay more for an incompetent Labour council who will be increasing council tax by the maximum yet again?”