Following the announcement in the Budget that several local authorities will be able to implement a levy on overnight visitors, BCP Council has written to the government asking whether non-mayoral areas are also eligible for the levy.

Though the “tourism tax” has met with considerable controversy from both hospitality operators and tourists themselves, councillors from Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole appeared keen to understand how it could be applied locally.

“We welcome the Chancellor’s announcement that a levy will be possible to introduce on overnight stays at hotels, holiday lets and B&Bs,” said councillor Richard Herrett. “We value the 10 million visitors we welcome to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole every year, but we also experience significant additional pressures across the area as a result.”

“We need to keep our beaches and towns clean, keep residents and visitors safe and manage parking and other travel into the area. Tourists are key to our economy, but this costs money, and being able to apply a levy to visitors would mean that our residents aren’t bearing this burden.”

Bournemouth West MP Jessica Toale said: “It’s regrettable that BCP Council has yet to become part of a Strategic Mayoral Authority, which would unlock more powers, autonomy and funding – including powers to introduce this overnight levy.”