Tourist tax to be introduced across England

Mayors will be able to introduce tourist taxes across England, the government has announced.

A day before the budget, communities secretary Steve Reed said mayors will be given the power to impose a "modest" charge on visitors staying overnight in hotels, bed and breakfasts, guest houses and holiday lets.

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The money raised is intended to be invested in local transport, infrastructure and the visitor economy to potentially attract more tourists.

Regional Labour leaders such as London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan and Greater Manchester's Andy Burnham have been calling for the measure.

However, the hospitality industry condemned the move as "damaging".

The visitor levy will bring England in line with Scotland and Wales, which are