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

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to publish an independent economic impact assessment before bringing forward legislation on an overnight visitor levy.

The precise design and scope of the overnight visitor levy power are still under development, and its impacts will largely be determined by local decisions. The government will respond to the consultation shortly. Evidence from international and domestic schemes suggests that modest rates have minimal impact on visitor numbers.

Mayors and local leaders will decide whether to introduce a levy. As part of that process, they will be required to consult and consider the impacts on businesses and others.