Tourist tax visitor levy comes closer in Southwark

Plans to introduce a tourist tax in Southwark, which could raise millions for the area, have moved a step closer after the local council agreed to go ahead.

Southwark is home to some of London's most visited attractions and areas including London Bridge, the Shard, the Globe theatre and the Tate Modern art gallery.

There are 6,000 hotel and hostel bedrooms in the borough, and at average occupancy rates a levy could raise over £2 million.

The revenue could be put towards community safety measures and general upkeep and maintenance of the area.

The impact of visitors to areas such as the Bermondsey Beer Mile could be eased by a tourist tax contribution towards cleaning up so costs are not entirely shouldered by council tax payers.

The Liberal Democrats on the council had originally proposed a voluntary, £2-a-night fee, which is already used in Manchester, Liverpool and Edinburgh, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

This was amended to the motion both the Lib Dem and Labour groups on the council agreed.

The move comes after Brent Council passed a similar motion in July which could see a mandatory visitor levy on hotel and short-stay accommodation.

Nearly 3 million UK and international visitors attended events at Wembley Stadium. Brent Council said the number of visitors brings "very real challenges" and it wanted to make sure visitors "contribute fairly" to the area's upkeep.

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