UK Government Confirms England Tourist Tax Under Devolution Plan
The Overnight Visitor Levy for England has been officially confirmed by the British government, enabling local councils to impose nightly fees on accommodations. This initiative was introduced in the 2025 budget under Keir Starmer and featured in the King's Speech on 13 May 2026. Following a public consultation held from November 2025 to February 2026, Andy Burnham's government affirmed the levy on 10 September. The Labour administration intends to pass the legislation in the ongoing session, requiring local authorities to submit their proposals by March 2028. Mayors are obligated to engage with residents prior to the tax's implementation, which is based on the room rate. Edinburgh has enforced this tax since 24 July 2026, while Welsh councils can adopt it starting April 2027.
Key facts
- The UK government confirmed an Overnight Visitor Levy for England on 10 September 2026.
- The measure was announced in the 2025 budget under Keir Starmer and included in the King's Speech on 13 May 2026.
- A public consultation ran from November 2025 to February 2026.
- Local authorities must present spending plans by March 2028.
- Mayoral Strategic Authorities and Foundation Strategic Authorities will have the power to introduce the tax.
- Accommodation providers are legally liable and may pass on all or part of the levy to guests.
- The tax rate is proportional to room price and must not vary by season.
- Edinburgh has applied a tourist tax since 24 July 2026; Wales authorised one in 2025, with first councils from April 2027.
- In France, the 2026 tourist tax for a 3-star hotel ranges from €0.50 to €1.70 per night per person.
- Paris 5-star hotels charge €11.70 in tourist taxes per person per night in 2026.
Entities
Artists
- Andy Burnham
- Keir Starmer
- Sadiq Khan
- Allen Simpson
- Emma Boutier
- Jane Meagher
- Tony Lankester
- Angus Neilsen
- Bill Addy
Institutions
- UK Hospitality
- Mayoral Strategic Authorities
- Foundation Strategic Authorities
- Île-de-France Mobilités
- Société de la Ligne Nouvelle Provence Côte d'Azur
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- LeJournaldesArts.fr
- Edinburgh City Council
- Edinburgh Fringe Festival Society
- Scottish Ballet
- Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers
- Liverpool BID Company
- Manchester ABID
- Senedd
- Northern Ireland Department for the Economy
- The Independent
- The Stage
Locations
- England
- United Kingdom
- London
- Edinburgh
- Wales
- France
- Paris
- Île-de-France
- Bouches-du-Rhône
- Var
- Alpes-Maritimes
- Marseille
- Toulon
- Nice
- Scotland
- Northern Ireland
- Glasgow
- Aberdeen
- Manchester
- Liverpool
- Cardiff
- Barcelona
- Amsterdam
- Japan
- USA
- European Union
- Westminster