Today (17 November 2025) Luke Myer, MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, has co-sponsored an amendment that would give English regions the option to introduce a visitor levy if they choose to do so – stressing that local areas should be trusted to decide what works best for them.

The proposal is designed to raise dedicated funds for tourism, culture, local infrastructure, and services without increasing burdens on local taxpayers.

In June, a coalition of mayors led by Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram urged the Government to allow local areas to bring in a Barcelona-style levy to support tourism, culture and local services. The letter was co-signed by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, North East Mayor Kim McGuinness, West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker and West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin. They argued that most major destinations in Europe already have such powers, as well as Scotland, and that English regions risk being left behind without similar flexibility.

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said:

“A local tourism tax is so mainstream across the rest of the world you barely notice it, so it should not be a big step here in the UK. This is a good example of how mayors can respond to local need and deliver real change if they are given more financial freedom to do so. We have ambitious plans to double the visitor economy in North East England over a decade. A small charge on our many visitors would allow us to invest and grow the sporting events, music festivals and cultural exhibitions that are unique to our region, creating jobs and bringing visitors back time and again.”

Luke Myer MP said the amendment was about “choice, not obligation.”

“England is an outlier here – which is why most mayors across England are asking for the freedom to have these powers to raise funds to reinvest in local services and strengthen the visitor economy. This amendment would simply give areas that choice – rather than impose a levy everywhere.”

“It would give regions the same flexibility that major destinations across Europe already enjoy. Any decision would sit with local leaders and would only follow consultation with local businesses. If an area does not want to use the power, it does not have to. What we should not do is deny every other region the flexibility they have been asking for.”

The Tees Valley Mayor has opposed the amendment, saying “if Rachel Reeves gives me this power, I will never use it“. Luke Myer MP emphasised that the proposal does not compel any area to make use of the powers.

Teesside’s visitor economy has room to grow – especially with heritage assets, coast and countryside, and cultural events in Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland and Hartlepool. Luke added that his aim is to support regional growth by giving areas the same tools that cities across Europe already enjoy, taxing visitors rather than local residents.

The amendment will now be considered as part of the wider legislative process.