York City Council a step closer to proposed ‘bed tax'
A bed tax in York has moved a step closer after the city's council agreed to assess the full implications of levying a £1 per head per night contribution on overnight visitors.
Members of City of York Council's cabinet have accepted a recommendation from the York Fairness Commission - a non-political body set up to consider local priorities in the light of budget cuts - "to assess the full implications and possible alternative approaches to a York Tourist Tax in consultation with VisitYork and other key partners in the business community."
The council will now explore the impact upon the city's economy and tourist industry, with a view to introducing the tax in the 2013-14 budgetary review.
Labour cabinet member for leisure, culture and social inclusion, Councillor Sonja Crisp, said: "We will commission an officer report during the next 12 months which will provide an analysis of the impact of introducing such a levy. We have been clear from the beginning that should this proposal indicate a damaging effect on the local economy, then we would not introduce it.
"In any event, nothing can happen unless the Government changes the rules in this area, which is currently under consideration. Our priority will always be the local economy as a whole, as jobs and economic growth are key priorities for this administration, and that includes existing jobs".
By Janet Harmer
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