Calls for North Norfolk tourist tax amid car park charging hikes
Local leaders are considering hiking car parking fees by as much as 50%
A Norfolk councillor has called for the introduction of a tourist tax to help lessen the financial burden on local people, as plans are afoot to hike car parking fees by as much as 50pc.
Nigel Housden, an independent at North Norfolk District Council (NNDC), urged the authority to consider following in the footsteps of Bournemouth, Manchester and Liverpool and make visitors to the district pay more.
It comes as the cash-strapped council is looking to introduce a range of car parking charge increases and cost-saving measures that include fully or partially shutting nearly 40pc of its public toilets.
At a recent overview and scrutiny committee meeting, Mr Housden said: “Surely we should be considering a bedroom tax for tourists, which would bring in a phenomenal amount of money.
“This is something fundamental we should be working on.”
NNDC had previously discussed the idea last year.
While there is currently no legislation to introduce a tourism levy, cities such as Manchester and Liverpool have found a legal loophole to impose the tax by creating a Business Improvement District (BID).
This is a defined area where certain businesses must pay a levy which is theoretically used to boost business in the area.
Manchester and Liverpool cities imposed the levy on businesses like hotels and rental apartments.
Responding to the suggestion, Tim Adams, leader of the Liberal Democrat-controlled council, said: “That is the only mechanism within which you can do it.”
Councillors said they intend to further discuss the possibility of the tax in the future but were unable to do so at this time.
The suggestion came as the council is considering raising car park charges across the district.
This includes hiking season ticket permits by as much as 50pc, a move which will primarily affect local residents .
It means a 12-month season ticket could rise from £204 to £306.
While a significant increase, it was claimed by councillors that parking is comparatively very cheap. They noted the steep rise will bring the authority more in line with other districts, while still offering good value for money.