Southwark Liberal Democrats demand fair share of new “tourist tax”

Southwark Liberal Democrats have reacted to yesterday’s announcement from the Government that Mayor’s will be given powers to raise an Overnight Visitor Levy (known as a “Tourist Tax”).  

It’s been estimated that a tourist tax could raise between £15-20 million in Southwark alone.  

Liberal Democrats in Southwark and across London have consistently been calling for a Tourist Tax for years – but argue that Southwark must be allowed to retain at least half of the revenue raised, instead of being kept by Sadiq Khan.  

Last year, Southwark Liberal Democrats successfully passed a motion at Council Assembly calling for a Tourist Tax. 

When the Government announced its intention to devolve such powers to Mayors before the local elections, the party also called for a fair share for Southwark. 

Commenting, Southwark Liberal Democrat Group Leader Cllr Victor Chamberlain said:  

“Whilst the introduction of the tourist tax is welcome after years of Liberal Democrats campaigns, it’s absolutely vital that the money can be spent where it was raised.  

The Labour Government has left us with a £102 million gap. In order to protect local services and invest in keeping our area an attractive place to be for both visitors and local people, we need to be able to spend that money locally.  

Southwark residents voted for more local decision making in May, after rejecting years of Labour's top-down approach. The Mayor must listen, and let Southwark residents see the benefits of tourism in their neighbourhoods.”