Visitors Could Face £1-a-Night Levy in York and North Yorkshire
Visitors staying overnight in York and North Yorkshire could eventually face a new charge after a policy report recommended a flat £1-a-night starting rate. Commissioned by Mayor David Skaith and published on 7 September, the study examines how a regional visitor levy could work and the effect it could have on accommodation costs if local leaders decide to introduce one.
How the £1 Visitor Levy Could Work
- Proposed rate: £1 per night
- Area: York and North Yorkshire
- Status: recommendation only; not yet in force
- Likely scope: paid overnight accommodation, subject to final national rules
- Possible exemptions: lower-cost stays, including some campsites, may be considered
- Purpose: investment in tourism, infrastructure and services used by visitors and residents
- Estimated revenue: up to £26 million a year
- Collection: a simple low-cost digital system is recommended
- Timing: levy powers are expected towards the end of the 2027–28 financial year
“York and North Yorkshire have something for everyone. Millions visit every year, and that’s why a visitor levy could be a total game changer for us."
The scheme is still some way from becoming a charge on hotel bills. The government included an Overnight Visitor Levy Bill in its 2026 legislative programme, which would provide the framework for mayors and potentially other local leaders to introduce a levy. The precise charging rules, exemptions and administration have not yet been finalised, while York and North Yorkshire still has its own consultation and policy work ahead.
If introduced, revenue could support transport, infrastructure, environmental management and improvements to the visitor economy across the region. That could include heavily visited areas such as York, the Yorkshire Dales, the North York Moors and coastal destinations. The report does not allocate money to specific projects, however, so there is currently no confirmed attraction, transport upgrade or public-space improvement tied to the proposed levy.
"We must get this right for our county so we can invest in our communities, and our hospitality and tourism businesses. That's why I'm committed to keep talking with the sector as the details come together."
Nothing changes for trips being booked now because the levy is not yet in force. Its final rate, exemptions and collection rules still need to be settled. A flat nightly charge would add more to the cost of longer stays and represent a larger share of cheaper accommodation prices, which is one reason the report suggests considering exemptions for lower-cost options.