No Tourist Tax: Lib Dems Celebrate Win for Local Tourism and Businesses, as Mayor Confirms No Plans for Tax

In November 2025, the Labour government proposed allowing regional mayors, including the Mayor of London, to introduce an optional overnight visitor levy, commonly known as a "tourist tax." Following a national consultation, the government confirmed the power will be available to local authorities in March 2028, leaving the decision and revenue allocation to mayors, local leaders, and their communities. However, the proposed levy has already been rejected for Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire.

​Local Liberal Democrats strongly opposed the tax from the start, warning it would burden visitors and harm struggling local businesses.

​December 2025: Cllr Mike Heslop-Mullens argued the tax was wrong for the region, stating: "East Yorkshire and Hull is not a prime holiday destination. The levy would make our region less competitive... If neighbouring mayoral authorities introduce a levy, we can position ourselves positively—with no tourism tax, to attract visitors who might otherwise choose destinations like North Yorkshire and the Dales."

​April 2026: East Riding of Yorkshire Council unanimously passed a Liberal Democrat motion urging the combined authority mayor to abandon the levy. The council warned it would severely damage the region's fragile hospitality sector and undermine upcoming cultural bids.

​In response, Luke Campbell, Mayor of the Hull & East Yorkshire Combined Authority, initially voiced concerns about the levy's impact on tourism before officially confirming on September 14 that the region has no intention of introducing it.

​Welcoming the decision, Cllr Heslop-Mullens noted: "Cross-party support at East Riding of Yorkshire Council proved just how strongly our community opposes this levy. We're thrilled the Mayor listened and refused to implement the tax, keeping East Yorkshire an affordable, welcoming place for all visitors.”


List of articles over the past year:

14th Sep 2026
Hull and East Yorkshire Mayor says he will not introduce tourist taxes.
www.hellorayo.co.uk/greatest-hits/east-yorkshire-north-lincolnshire/news/hull-east-yorkshire-mayor-vows-not-to-introduce-tourist-taxes

7th May 2026
East Riding Councillors Push Back Against Proposed Tourism Tax Over Fears For Coastal Businesses 
https://www.thisisthecoast.co.uk/news/local-news/east-riding-councillors-push-back-against-proposed-tourism-tax-over-fears-for-coastal-businesses/

20 April 2026
East Riding Councillors Oppose Proposed Tourism Tax For East Yorkshire
https://www.thisisthecoast.co.uk/news/local-news/east-riding-councillors-oppose-proposed-tourism-tax-for-east-yorkshire/

4th December 2025
Visitor levy 'probably isn't right' for Hull and East Yorkshire, mayor says
https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/politics/visitor-levy-probably-isnt-right-for-hull-and-east-yorkshire-mayor-says-5428838

"Tourism here isn't like tourism in other cities like, you know, places like Cambridge, York, Stratford-upon-Avon. These cities have established visitor demand. There's an extra charge and it would barely affect footfall.

But here in the East Riding our visitor economy is more fragile. It's more seasonal and it is more heavily dependent upon independent businesses.

So a levy here would not skim cream off a booming sector, which is what it would do in other places, it would depress the very activity that we're trying to stimulate." 
Cllr Denis Healy

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