The government is facing increased pressure to permit London to implement a tourist tax for those staying overnight.
The think tank Centre for London has proposed that this tax could play a significant role in “revitalizing” the capital’s arts and cultural sectors, highlighting in a new report that the city’s creative industries are in “danger.”
London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has previously expressed his endorsement for the tax, pointing out that most tourists visiting Europe are generally “not averse to paying a few extra euros.”
However, the government has reiterated that there are “currently no plans to enact a tourism tax in England.”
The report, titled Arts for All, appealed to ministers to restore local government arts funding to levels seen in 2010, alongside several additional recommendations.
These suggestions include creating a national Arts Pass for those under 25 and empowering the Greater London Authority (GLA) to “consider the feasibility of a tourist tax.”
The government noted that localities already have the option to implement a levy on overnight accommodations through the Accommodation Business Improvement District model.
The Arts for All report was launched on Thursday at the Barbican arts centre, where the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) observed that GLA representatives emphasized the need for national legislation.
The concept suggests that visitors could pay a small additional percentage or fixed amount on their hotel bills, already established in cities such as Barcelona and Paris.
Venice has taken it a step further by introducing a €5 fee for day visitors to help manage cruise tourism.
Rob Anderson from the Centre for London stated that arts and culture are “integral to what it means” to be a Londoner.
He pointed out that funding cuts have made it increasingly challenging for the capital’s arts sector to offer “affordable, local, and accessible options” and to enhance participation.
He remarked, “We need to reinvest in our arts to protect London’s ongoing cultural success and ensure that more of its residents can enjoy the city’s world-class offerings.”
A spokesperson for the government commented: “We recognize the financial challenges facing local councils, and we are collaborating with them to establish better foundations for delivering enhanced public services nationwide.
“At the same time, we are committed to fostering the growth of arts and culture throughout the country, as demonstrated by our recently announced £270 million Arts Everywhere Fund and through Arts Council England, which allocates nearly £150 million annually to the arts in London.”
