Visitor levy could reduce spending on Britains high streets – Bira

A retail body has raised concerns that the new governments new Overnight Visitor Levy could reduce the amount visitors spend on Britains high streets - even as it welcomes the principle of giving local leaders more control over investment decisions.

The British Independent Retailers Association is calling on the government for strong assurances that revenue raised from the levy will be reinvested back into the high street.

Having reviewed two Mayoral strategic plans published so far, the association noted that high streets are barely mentioned and said it wants confirmation that money raised in a given area will be spent in that area, supporting the businesses that serve the visitors generating the revenue.

Andrew Goodacre (pictured), Bira’s CEO said: "We understand why local leaders want the power to raise funds from visitors, and in principle we support giving mayors more control over how their areas invest in tourism.

“But every extra pound a visitor pays in levy is a pound they don't spend in the independent shops and cafes on the high street.

“If this money isn't visibly and directly reinvested into the high streets that serve visitors, we risk taking money out of local economies rather than putting it back in.”

Mr Goodacre added: "We've looked at two Mayoral strategic plans already, and high streets barely get a mention.

“Before this levy goes any further, we need cast-iron assurances that the money raised in a town or city will actually be spent supporting the businesses in that same town or city."