UK Cultural Leaders Push for Ring-Fenced Tourist Tax to Support Arts and Free Museum Entry
The UK government has authorized regional mayors in England to introduce an Overnight Visitor Levy (OVL), commonly referred to as a "tourist tax." This initiative has been positively received by cultural leaders who seek additional funding for the arts. Tristram Hunt, the director of the Victoria and Albert Museum, highlighted the importance of legislation to ensure that the generated revenue supports the visitor economy, with hopes that 50% of the funds from London's levy will help maintain free access to significant cultural venues. Angela Rayner presented the OVL plan, permitting mayors to set the tax without limits. Mayor Sadiq Khan indicated that London's OVL would be capped at 5% of the cost of an overnight stay, with proposals for utilizing these new powers anticipated by early 2028, amid ongoing local government funding challenges.
Key facts
- UK regional mayors in England gain power to introduce an Overnight Visitor Levy (OVL).
- Cultural leaders urge that OVL revenue be ring-fenced for arts and culture.
- Tristram Hunt, director of the Victoria and Albert Museum, hopes 50% of London's levy income sustains free entry to major cultural institutions.
- The government is exploring admission charges at national museums in England for overseas visitors.
- Angela Rayner, secretary of state for housing, communities and local government, presented the OVL plan earlier this week.
- Mayors can impose the tax without a cap and with few controls on spending.
- Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said the capital's OVL would not exceed 5% of an overnight stay, with the exact figure yet to be determined.
- Mayors are expected to lay out their plans for using the new powers in early 2028.
- Alison Cole, former editor of The Art Newspaper and director of the Cultural Policy Unit, welcomed the announcement and the percentage rate.
- Hunt has campaigned for a tourism levy since 2018.
Entities
Artists
- Tristram Hunt
- Angela Rayner
- Sadiq Khan
- Alison Cole
Institutions
- Victoria and Albert Museum
- The Art Newspaper
- Cultural Policy Unit (CPU)
- The Guardian
- UK government
- Mayor of London
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- England