Somerset Council has firmly dismissed any plans to introduce a ‘holiday tax’ on tourists, responding to concerns raised by Conservative councillors over the potential impact on local businesses.
The Labour government recently consulted on allowing mayoral strategic authorities in England to impose a “local overnight visitor levy” — essentially an extra charge on tourists staying overnight, with proceeds intended to fund local services. This consultation ended on February 18, and feedback is currently under review by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), pending any legislative proposals.
Conservative councillor Bob Filmer, representing Brent division north of Burnham-on-Sea, sought assurances at the council’s executive meeting in Taunton on April 1 that Somerset would not implement such a tax. He highlighted concerns brought up by Liberal Democrat MP Rachel Gilmour for Tiverton and Minehead and warned that a holiday tax could lead to job losses and harm local tourism businesses.
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“The proposals could add millions in costs to holidaymakers and threaten thousands of hospitality jobs by 2030,” said Mr. Filmer. “Somerset’s tourism industry is vital, supporting numerous family-run businesses already struggling with rising taxes, wage costs, and overheads like fuel. They can’t sustain any further local taxes.”
Mr. Filmer noted that his division includes several caravan parks, the National Trust-managed Brean Down, and Brean Theme Park, which recently reopened following liquidation.
Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts, portfolio holder for communities, council housing, culture, equalities, and diversity, reassured the council that Somerset had no authority or immediate plans to introduce a tourist tax. She explained that the government’s consultation focused on mayoral strategic authorities, and Somerset is not included in this group. Any future moves would depend on government decisions about regional devolution and potential formation of a foundation strategic authority.
“With tourism being a cornerstone of Somerset’s economy, we acknowledge its importance in our economic prosperity strategy,” said Mrs. Smith-Roberts. “Currently, Somerset Council does not have the power to impose such a tax, and any future levy would require significant government policy changes.”
After the meeting, Mr. Filmer vowed to continue advocating against the holiday tax, emphasizing the need to support local tourism without imposing additional financial burdens.
“Tourism is a key economic driver in Somerset and sustains thousands of jobs,” he said. “Introducing extra taxes on visitors would only undermine the competitiveness of our region at a time when businesses are already facing significant challenges.”