Reform UK's leaders across West Yorkshire are clashing head on with the region’s Mayor over proposals to introduce a “tourist tax.”
“No To A West Yorkshire Tourism Tax” is the message from five Reform UK council or group leaders across West Yorkshire, putting them at loggerheads with Labour Mayor, Tracy Brabin.
Mayor Brabin has backed plans to give regional leaders the power to introduce a levy on overnight visitors after she had discussed the proposal with other regional Mayors at Downing Street.
The levy, which has been dubbed a tourist tax, would be a percentage based charge added to accommodation stays, with Government saying the money raised could be spent on high streets, public transport, tourism projects, cultural activities and local events.
But the Reform leaders – four of them leaders of their authority, and Leeds Council’s Reform group leader Coun Ryan Taylor – fear the economic impact on local businesses and are urging the Mayor to “abandon” proposals for a tourism tax.
Headed by Leader of Bradford Council, Coun Stephen Place, the leaders have written to Mayor Brabin to make it clear they are opposing the introduction of a tourist tax across West Yorkshire.
They say:
“We believe the proposal is fundamentally wrong for our residents, our businesses and our visitor economy."
The other leaders who have signed the letter are Leader of Calderdale Council, Coun Dan Sutherland, Leader of Kirklees Council, Coun Sarah Wood, and Leader of Wakefield Council, Coun Karl Johnson.
The Reform leaders say:
“At a time when families are already struggling with the rising cost of living and businesses across hospitality and tourism are facing increased costs, the last thing West Yorkshire needs is another tax.
“A tourist tax would increase the cost of staying in our hotels, guest houses and other accommodation.
“Ultimately, that additional cost will either be passed directly to visitors or absorbed by businesses that are already under considerable financial pressure.
“We are particularly concerned about the impact on the independent hotels, B&Bs, guest houses, restaurants, pubs and attractions that depend upon a strong and competitive visitor economy.”
Mayor Brabin said it was right Mayors got new powers to introduce an overnight visitor levy and the charge would ask visitors to make a small contribution towards the places they visit, and that revenue could also support the region’s economy and cultural offer.
Earlier this month she pointed out that visitor levies already operated in a range of other countries.
“By asking people to make a small contribution, like in many other European countries, we can continue to invest in culture, grow our economy and ensure people want to visit for generations to come.”
The Reform leaders are not convinced and argue in their letter that West Yorkshire “should be making itself more attractive to visitors, not more expensive.”
Rather than introducing another revenue-raising mechanism, councils should first concentrate on working every pound of existing taxpayers money harder, say the Reform leaders in the letter.
They are worried about a “significant risk” that a tourist tax could create an uneven playing field across Yorkshire and beyond with people choosing to spend their money elsewhere if West Yorkshire becomes more expensive than alternative destinations, reducing visitor numbers and harming the very businesses the tax is intended to support, they say.
Instead, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, which is led by Mayor Brabin, should work with the Reform-run councils and groups to develop what they call a “pro-growth tourism strategy.”
Aims for this should include attracting more visitors, promoting towns and cities as destinations, supporting local hospitality and tourism businesses, reducing “unnecessary barriers to business growth”, improving transport and connectivity, making better use of existing resources and increasing private sector investment in the visitor economy, say the Reform leaders.
In a social media post, Mayor Brabin had said the idea was among several issues discussed with Mayors at number 10.
Classic film meets live rock concert at Ilkley's King's Hall
Free dementia awareness event to be held in Ilkley
Ilkley restaurant celebrates Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award
Women’s business network celebrates second birthday in Ilkley
Food waste collections set to be introduced in Ilkley
Climate Café to offer space to talk about climate concerns in Ilkley
Ilkley restaurant Forde features on Channel 5's Our Great Yorkshire Life
Scientific study launched to help restore Ilkley Tarn
Leeds United legends coming to Ilkley for special fans' night
Alpamare waterpark to be sold to 'protect its future' with private investment
Dacre Son & Hartley team conquers Yorkshire Three Peaks for children's charity
Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway set for Oktoberfest takeover
Dates announced for Ilkley Christmas Tree Festival 2026
Mayfield View named winner of Ilkley wheelbarrow competition
Pizza company announces new home at Burley in Wharfedale pub
Sporting legends tee off as Yorkshire Invitational gets underway in Ilkley
Ilkley businesses in running to be named UK's favourite
Ilkley Library to reopen following major refurbishment
Pre-loved clothing party to take place in Menston this month
Councillor 'disappointed' in transport links in Keighley and Ilkley
