Lib Dems Call for Tourist Tax in Southwark

The Southwark Liberal Democrat group has called for the council to introduce a tourist tax in the borough.

A ‘tourist tax’ is a small contribution added to the price per night for a hotel room in the area, generating revenue that can be invested back into local communities, businesses and high streets.

Cllr Victor Chamberlain has written to the council’s Chief Executive to call for Southwark to introduce London’s first tourist tax scheme.

The letter instructs the council to use Manchester’s new ‘city visitor charge’ scheme as the model for a similar policy in Southwark.

Manchester City Council announced it will be the first city in the UK to introduce a tourist tax, with an additional £1 per night for hotel stays in busy areas.

Many popular destinations in Europe, including Barcelona and Venice, already have similar schemes.

Manchester City Council announced it will be the first city in the UK to introduce a tourist tax, with an additional £1 per night for hotel stays in busy areas.

Commenting, Southwark Lib Dem Leader Cllr Victor Chamberlain said:

“The council must start to take full advantage of Southwark’s appeal to tourists. A tourist tax is the perfect way to do just that, with minimal financial impact for visitors but huge financial benefit to the borough. This investment would provide the support that our high streets and small to medium business owners need, especially as many struggle with the cost of living crisis. In this time of financial instability and uncertainty, local businesses and the people who rely on them need to know that Southwark is doing everything it can to support them.”