Tourist tax must benefit people of Cambridge - MP
Regional mayors in England could be given new powers to impose a levy on visitors
Cambridge MP Daniel Zeichner has said any plans for a tourist tax need to benefit people living in the city.
Ahead of this week's Autumn Budget, the Government confirmed regional mayors across England will be given new powers to impose a charge on visitors staying overnight.
The money raised would go towards the likes of improving local transport links, infrastructure and the visitor economy.
"I do understand there are some residents that feel Cambridge is pretty busy already, so we need to make sure there's something in this for them," Mr Zeichner said.
"My goal in this is (have a) better transport system, housing that people can really afford and a revamped accident and emergency unit at Addenbrooke's Hospital."
Tourist tax not new to Cambridge
The idea of a tourist tax that has previously been rejected by hoteliers in Cambridge.
But this summer, the move has resurfaced after Councillor Cameron Holloway - leader at Cambridge City Council - called for "a modest levy" to be introduced.
Maria Manion - chief executive at Cambridge Business Improvement District which supports the plans - has previously said "there is a need to feel that everybody is contributing to the city."
Other regional mayors in England including Sadiq Khan - mayor of London - and Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, both Labour, have been calling for the measures.
But the hospitality sector has raised concerns over the impact this will have.
Mr Zeichner described the Budget as “a fair, responsible plan that protects working people and begins rebuilding the services people rely on.”
But he feels if a tourist tax does come into force, more can be done to make Cambridge more accessible for everyone.
"Cambridge isn't the easiest place in the world sometimes to visit and I've been keen to try and encourage some of the colleges to collaborate so when you visit, you buy one ticket and don't have to pay to go into every college, so there's lots more we can do," he added.
"I think we also need some basic investment in signage; the street guides are very good, but we need more of this because we want to make Cambridge a top class destination for people to come to."