York Lib Dems welcome Tourist Tax as major success for their long-running campaign

York Liberal Democrats have welcomed the Labour Government’s decision to allow the York & North Yorkshire Mayor to introduce a Tourist Tax, describing it as a major victory for the Lib Dems’ long-running campaign to ensure visitors contribute fairly to the cost of maintaining York’s world-famous heritage. 

The levy, expected to raise around £11 million per year, gives York a rare opportunity to improve the services that residents feel have been steadily getting worse, from public toilets to street cleaning, anti-social behaviour hotspots and neighbourhoods that feel overlooked. 

Lib Dem councillors are clear that residents must see real benefits from this new income. They are calling for a firm guarantee that money raised in York will be reinvested to improve the city for the people who live here and not simply cover existing budget gaps. 

They argue that Tourist Tax revenue should help address the growing mismatch between what residents pay and what they receive, with the priorities being cleaner streets, better-maintained roads and pavements, safer public spaces, and easier access into the city centre, especially for older and disabled residents. They also highlight that funding improvements to the Outer Ring Road would reduce congestion and cut unnecessary through-traffic in the city centre. 

Cllr Nigel Ayre, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, said: 

“The Tourist Tax is something the Liberal Democrats have pushed for years. It’s only right that those enjoying our wonderful city help contribute to its upkeep. 

“But residents are telling us loud and clear that they feel like they are paying more for less in York. Services have deteriorated while costs keep going up. This new funding must change that. Every penny raised in York should stay in York, improving the streets, services and neighbourhoods that residents depend on every day.” 

Cllr Andrew Hollyer added: 

“Residents want to see real improvements: cleaner public spaces, better toilets, repaired roads and pavements, safer communities, and better access to the city centre. Restoring services like Dial & Ride is essential for many residents, particularly older and disabled people who are finding the cost of living and restricted access increasingly difficult.

“If Tourist Tax revenue can also help progress the Outer Ring Road upgrades, it would reduce congestion and improve life both in the city centre and in our suburbs. We’ll keep pressing the Mayor to ensure this money delivers the better, fairer, more accessible city residents deserve.”