The newly-empowered housing department has renewed its push for tax-levying powers to be handed to mayors and local authorities. This would begin with a ‘tourist tax’ on hotel stays. Might as well just convert every hotel and BnB into asylum accommmodation and have it over with…
Devolution minister Miatta Fahnbulleh was overheard by a co-conspirator at Labour Conference speaking privately about efforts by authorities and mayors to levy a tourist tax on top of hotel bills:
“They are putting a very good case. They’re having a conversation with the department. They’re not going to get a rejection from MHCLG. It’s a question of persuading the Treasury.“
That is a clear statement of intent. Rayner was previously rebuffed by Reeves in her attempts to get the powers over the line – officials in the department were confident of movement later into the year. MHCLG is now led by close Starmer/McSweeney ally Steve Reed. With local authorities begging for cash devolving tax powers – so far blocked by HMT – could solve some budgetary issues. The scope would only grow…
Speaking at a conference event on devolution, Fahnbulleh said there would be “many amendments” to Labour’s Devolution Bill in order to further empower mayoralties. The direction of travel is clear…
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