Conservative councillors at Somerset Council are set to bring forward a motion at Full Council on Wednesday 20th May calling on the authority to formally rule out introducing a tourist or “holiday tax” in Somerset.
The motion, proposed by Councillor Bob Filmer and seconded by Councillor Andy Dingwall, warns that a levy on overnight stays could damage Somerset’s visitor economy, which contributes more than £1.3 billion annually and supports thousands of jobs across the county.
The proposal highlights concerns that even a modest additional charge on accommodation could reduce visitor numbers, particularly in coastal and rural communities that rely heavily on domestic tourism. Areas such as Burnham-on-Sea, Brean, Minehead and other tourism-dependent parts of Somerset are expected to be among the hardest hit.
The motion calls on Somerset Council to state clearly that it “will not support, work to introduce, or apply for the implementation of, any tourist or holiday tax in Somerset” and to continue working with local businesses and tourism organisations to promote Somerset as an affordable destination.
The move comes as the Government moves forward with proposals to allow local authorities and Mayoralties to introduce tourist levies.
Conservative MP Sir Ashley Fox has also been campaigning against the proposed tax and recently visited Burnham-on-Sea Haven Holiday Village to hear concerns directly from staff and management about the potential impact on jobs, businesses and family holidays.
Ashley Fox MP said:
“The Holiday Tax would be an act of economic self-harm for Somerset. It would punish families for choosing to holiday at home and punish small businesses simply for operating here.
“Our county relies on domestic tourism to sustain jobs and incomes. Even a modest shift towards overseas travel would cost local jobs, cut wages, and damage our rural and coastal economies.”
The motion will be debated at Somerset Council’s Full Council meeting on Wednesday 20th May.
