The Visitor Levy Bill was introduced in the House of Commons on Wednesday (November 4).

Dubbed a ‘tourist tax’ by many, the proposal would see mayors and local leaders given new powers to introduce a small fee on overnight stays.

Money raised through the levy will stay in the local area to be invested in services used by visitors and residents.

The government will require the levy to be charged as a percentage rate of the cost of accommodation, rather than as a flat fee, meaning those choosing cheaper accommodation will pay less.

Ten mayors have already committed that any levy introduced in their areas would be no higher than 5%.

It comes as the government plans to proceed with a two unitary proposal in East Sussex and Brighton and Hove.

The first mayor of Sussex and Brighton, who would likely be responsible for introducing the levy across East Sussex, is scheduled to be elected in May 2028.

While it is unclear to what extent a levy would be introduced in Eastbourne, councillors have already agreed to put the local tourism industry first through a consultation.

On September 30, Eastbourne Borough Council debated a motion, brought forward by Conservative group leader Robert Smart, calling on the local authority to oppose the levy.

However, councillors voted in favour of an alternative motion, put forward by Cabinet Member for Tourism and Place Jenny Williams (Liberal Democrats).

This alternative motion outlined the need for a “full consultation with those impacted businesses and consideration given to alternative options”.

So, what do Eastbourne residents think? Many of our readers commented on social media sharing their views.

Eleanor Dudley wrote: “I think there should be a tourist tax. The tourists use the facilities and as long as its kept at a reasonable level, the money could be used to clean up the town.”

Carole-Anne Grainger commented: “Every single city, town and village we have visited, in the last few years, charges a very small (normally 1-2 Euros) and I can tell you their roads and pavements are in a much better state than ours.”

But Richard Chatfield questioned the impact it would have on local businesses. He wrote: “Ask the people actually owning and running hotels and guesthouses what they think about a tourist tax.”