"This Council notes the Government’s proposal to allow regional mayors to levy a tourist tax and expresses its serious concern regarding the negative impact this could have on Coventry’s visitor economy. In particular, the impact on key local assets such as Coombe Abbey Hotel and heritage attractions like St Mary’s Guildhall.
This Council resolves to make immediate, strong representations to the West Midlands Combined Authority and His Majesty's Government, firmly opposing the implementation of a tourist tax within the City of Coventry."
Minutes:
The following Motion was moved by Councillor G Ridley and seconded by Councillor M Heaven:
This Council resolves to make immediate, strong representations to the West Midlands Combined Authority and His Majesty's Government, firmly opposing the implementation of a tourist tax within the City of Coventry."
The following amendment was moved by Councillor J O’Boyle, seconded by Councillor R Singh and carried:
After the words “This Council notes the Government” delete the remainder of the first paragraph and replace with the following:
1. ……has launched a consultation on the design of a new Mayoral power to introduce a visitor levy on paid overnight stays in England, and that this is not currently a power for English councils or Mayors.
2. The proposals are for a discretionary levy, with Government explicitly stating that no Mayor would be compelled to introduce it.
3. The Mayor has given no indication that he intends to implement such a power.
4. The Mayor is a member of the Government’s Visitor Economy Advisory Council which is a joint industry and government-led board composed of employers, small businesses and representative organisations from across the visitor economy.
5. The consultation proposes that any future levy would require a published prospectus, a formal public consultation including accommodation providers and visitor economy stakeholders and a minimum of twelve months’ notice before introduction.
6. Primary legislation would be required before any levy could be introduced, meaning implementation is not imminent and would be 2028 or later, after the next Mayoral election.
This Council further notes that the Conservative Motion mischaracterises these proposals as an immediate “tourist tax” and seeks to manufacture alarm for Coventry businesses without acknowledging the consultation, safeguards, notice period, or the fact that no decision can be taken now.
After the words “This Council resolves to“, delete the remainder of the paragraph and replace with the following:
a) Respond constructively to the Government consultation, setting out Coventry’s interests and evidence on impacts, including on major employers and visitor assets such as Coombe Abbey and St Mary’s Guildhall, and the conditions necessary to protect competitiveness.
b) Call on the West Midlands Combined Authority and the Mayor to continue to engage transparently with the hospitality and visitor economy, making clear that any future consultation response will be co-designed with the sector. And focused on improving the visitor experience and the city’s attractiveness.
c) Oppose irresponsible scaremongering that risks damaging Coventry’s reputation as a welcoming destination, and instead back a grown-up approach: evidence-led policy, proper consultation, and local democratic accountability.
The amended Motion now to read:
This Council notes that:
1. The Government has launched a consultation on the design of a new Mayoral power to introduce a visitor levy on paid overnight stays in England, and that this is not currently a power for English councils or Mayors.
2. The proposals are for a discretionary levy, with Government explicitly stating that no Mayor would be compelled to introduce it.
3. The Mayor has given no indication that he intends to implement such a power.
4. The Mayor is a member of the Government’s Visitor Economy Advisory Council which is a joint industry and government-led board composed of employers, small businesses and representative organisations from across the visitor economy.
5. The consultation proposes that any future levy would require a published prospectus, a formal public consultation including accommodation providers and visitor economy stakeholders and a minimum of twelve months’ notice before introduction.
6. Primary legislation would be required before any levy could be introduced, meaning implementation is not imminent and would be 2028 or later, after the next Mayoral election.
This Council further notes that the Conservative Motion mischaracterises these proposals as an immediate “tourist tax” and seeks to manufacture alarm for Coventry businesses without acknowledging the consultation, safeguards, notice period, or the fact that no decision can be taken now.
This Council resolves to:
a) Respond constructively to the Government consultation, setting out Coventry’s interests and evidence on impacts, including on major employers and visitor assets such as Coombe Abbey and St Mary’s Guildhall, and the conditions necessary to protect competitiveness.
b) Call on the West Midlands Combined Authority and the Mayor to continue to engage transparently with the hospitality and visitor economy, making clear that any future consultation response will be co-designed with the sector. And focused on improving the visitor experience and the city’s attractiveness.
c) Oppose irresponsible scaremongering that risks damaging Coventry’s reputation as a welcoming destination, and instead back a grown-up approach: evidence-led policy, proper consultation, and local democratic accountability.
RESOLVED that the amended Motion, as set out above in bold, be adopted.
(Note: Councillor R Bailey, having declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in the Minute above, left the meeting for the duration of the item)