Call for Eastbourne councillors to oppose ‘tourist tax’
A motion calling on Eastbourne councillors to oppose new fees on overnight stays is due to be discussed.
Next Wednesday (September 30), Eastbourne Borough Council is set to debate a motion calling on potential new powers for mayors to charge a levy on overnight stays — a policy, which has been dubbed as a “tourist tax”.
The motion has been put forward by Conservative group leader Robert Smart and calls on the council to formally oppose the proposal.
The proposed power would allow mayors to set an uncapped levy on overnight stays. It would be charged as percentage of the overall cost of the stay. The government says this is intended to “protect budget holidays”.
It adds mayors would be able to use money raised for investment in high streets and public transport, events to boost tourism and drive growth.
But critics say the extra costs will harm the tourism industry.
The government is proposing an uncapped levy, meaning individual mayors could set it at whatever level they wish. But some mayors have already pledged to cap any levy at five per cent.
Other mayors have said they will not introduce any levy at all.
The first mayoral election for Sussex is due to be held in May 2028.