Reform UK Leaders Urge Abandonment of Visitor Levy Plans in North East

Four council leaders from Reform UK wrote to Kim McGuinness urging her to abandon plans for a potential overnight visitor levy. The leaders argued that the proposal would damage the region's tourism industry and increase costs for families and business travellers. Under the plans, local leaders would set the charge as a percentage of accommodation costs, rather than a flat fee, with revenue use decided by the mayors.

The levy proposal, if pursued, would apply to both overseas tourists and Britons. The leaders warned that the tax could send visitors elsewhere, adding to concerns about the region's economic viability and the pressure on local businesses like hotels, pubs, and guesthouses.