Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, further to the press release, Levy on overnight trips will help mayors invest in local growth, of 25 November 2025, for what reason the press release was distributed via gov.uk before the Written Ministerial Statement was laid before Parliament.

The Government has announced powers for Mayors to introduce a visitor levy on short-term overnight accommodation in their region, to drive economic growth including through support for the local visitor economy.

The Visitor Levy Consultation, running until 18 February 2026, sets out the details of governments proposals for this power. This consultation will ensure the public, businesses, and local government can shape the design of the power to introduce a levy that will be devolved to local leaders.

The impacts of the levy will largely be determined by local decisions. Mayors will decide whether to introduce a levy and, if so, consult on specific proposals. We expect Mayors to engage constructively with businesses and their communities to hear these concerns. This will inform their decisions regarding whether and how a levy will be applied and how any revenue is invested.

It will be for Business Improvement District (BID) bodies and businesses to determine whether to continue with BID arrangements following any local decision to put in place a visitor levy.

The Written Ministerial Statement was made in Parliament prior to the press notice being issued on gov.uk.