Tourism: Overnight Visitor Levy
Debate between Baroness Blake of Leeds and Lord Hope of Craighead(1 month ago)
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Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)
The noble Lord and I have worked together on many occasions in the past. That is entirely in his remit, and that is why this is not being imposed. It will be a devolved matter. Local mayors and strategic authorities can make their own decisions. That is the fundamental point of why we are doing it this way. Evidence from around the world does not support the noble Lord’s thesis, but of course there is concern. We need to make sure that everything is analysed and addressed and that we have a full picture of the impact as we go on.
Lord Hope of Craighead (CB)
Will care be taken to study the levy in Edinburgh, where it has been in force for quite some time, as to both its administration and the effect on businesses and the wider effects across the city?
Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)
My understanding is that the Edinburgh scheme is relatively new. It was introduced this summer and the estimate is that it has raised £50 million. We will be looking carefully at Edinburgh’s experience. It has not reported any decrease in visitor numbers, and we expect a positive programme of how it is going to invest that money. Edinburgh is home to many artists over the summer; I am sure it would want to make it clear that they are very welcome to go to Edinburgh and will be supported.