Plans to implement a tourist tax in Southwark, expected to generate millions for the borough, have progressed following the local council’s approval to move forward with the initiative.

Southwark features some of the most popular tourist destinations in London, including London Bridge, the Shard, the Globe Theatre, and the Tate Modern art gallery.

The borough is home to 6,000 hotel and hostel accommodations, and with average occupancy rates, the tax could potentially generate upwards of £2 million.

These funds could be allocated to enhancing community safety initiatives as well as supporting the overall maintenance and upkeep of the area.

Implementing a tourist tax could also help mitigate the impact of visitors on locales such as the Bermondsey Beer Mile, allowing for the costs of cleaning and maintenance to be shared, rather than being borne solely by council tax contributors.

The Liberal Democrats first suggested a voluntary fee of £2 per night, similar to systems already in place in Manchester, Liverpool, and Edinburgh, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

This proposal has been incorporated into a revised motion that both the Liberal Democrat and Labour factions on the council have endorsed.

This development follows a similar resolution passed by Brent Council in July, which aims to establish a compulsory visitor levy on both hotels and short-term rentals.

Brent Council noted that nearly three million domestic and international visitors attended events at Wembley Stadium, acknowledging that this influx creates “very real challenges,” and emphasized the need for visitors to “contribute fairly” to the maintenance of the area.