Norfolk has one of the highest proportions of second homes in the UK – and that has come at a pretty significant expense to the local economy. But now, in a bid to recoup revenue, councillors are toying with the idea of a ‘tourist tax’.
North Norfolk District Council wants to introduce a £1 tourist levy to Airbnb bookings in the area to help recover finances that have come under strain thanks to second home owners pushing out local taxpayers.
It’s not a full-blown tourist tax, as British councils don’t have the same power to implement legislation like that of Amsterdam or Venice. But areas like Manchester and Liverpool have found they can work around it by making areas into ‘business improvement districts’ (BIDs) and putting levies on holiday lets and Airbnbs.
In North Norfolk, it’s been a long old battle between locals and second-home owners. The proposal comes after locals voted for second homes to be totally banned in Burnham Market (nicknamed ‘Chelsea-on-Sea’).
Tim Adams, leader of North Norfolk council, told the Telegraph: ‘Lots of second home owners aren’t paying for local services right now. It’s about democratic localism. People are upset. We don’t want to put off tourists, but equally they don’t seem to be complaining about similar taxes in the likes of Paris.’
Time Out on the tourist taxes
From Bali to Venice to Manchester, the tourist tax has really taken off this year. Iceland has hinted at plans to implement one to protect its landscape and boost its economy, as has Wales, Edinburgh and Hawaii. And after our deep dive into tourists being absolute menaces, we can hardly blame them. For the whole picture, take a look at our list of the travel destinations that want tourists to stay away.
ICYMI: you could be a train driver on the legendary Harry Potter rail route in Scotland.
Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out UK newsletter for the latest UK news and the best stuff happening across the country.