A York councilor suggests a tourist tax of £2.80 per night to fund a free electric shuttle service.
Vassie says he supports charging visitors extra. York’s mayor and a member of Parliament agree, believing added fees on hotels could help York. This additional revenue could potentially fund both tourism initiatives and vital public services.
Some hotels are worried about potential damage to business, as they already face rising costs. They fear a tourist tax might deter visitors, especially as the government currently opposes local visitor taxes.
Edinburgh will launch a hotel levy in July, while Manchester uses legal methods for a £1 fee. Vassie thinks clarity is crucial for tax success. He suggests a free electric shuttle bus. This could help residents and tourists move around.
A 2023 study estimated a £350,000 yearly cost for the shuttle bus service. The bus would primarily serve Blue Badge holders. Vassie wants to move away from parking fees, noting buses offer another way to reach York.
Vassie notes the reliance on car traffic revenue. He wants alternative transport options for residents and also wants help for those with mobility issues, enabling tourists to get from the station easier.
Vassie asks why car users alone fund services. He questions penalizing residents without car alternatives, then asks how to fund rural transport choices. He suggests a tourism tax could help fix these problems.
He knows others want money for city cleaning, therefore suggests making a complete funding list. They should then “sell” the visitor tax idea. Councilors Douglas and Kilbane are still working on the tax.
Douglas cites public support from a budget survey, where eighty percent supported the tourism tax. Kilbane says they lobby the government for tax powers, and they want local control over the money’s use.
Manchester uses business districts to collect money to improve accommodations.