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Mayor's concerns over Universal 'tourism tax' idea

Amy HolmesBedfordshire political reporter
Universal Destinations & Experiences/Comcast A logo shows a blue Earth globe in space, surrounded by blue stars with the words "UNIVERSAL UNITED KINGDOM RESORT" over the globe, and the words "A COMCAST COMPANY" below it.Universal Destinations & Experiences/Comcast
Under government proposals, regional mayors could be given powers to charge tourists a tax for staying overnight in places like the planned Universal resort in Bedford

The Mayor of Bedford says he is concerned a potential tourism tax for people using the planned Universal theme park will not benefit the borough.

Under the Labour government proposals, regional mayors could be given powers to tax tourists for staying overnight in their districts.

A consultation closed in February when Local Government Secretary Steve Reed said mayors "need powers and funding to enable them to harness England's potential and unlock growth through investment".

But Conservative Tom Wootton said: "As mayor I'd love new powers, but the trouble is they are not talking about a local mayor, but a metro mayor which would be for the whole of Bedfordshire and maybe Northants too."

UNIVERSAL DESTINATIONS AND EXPERIENCES/COMCAST A bird's-eye artist's impression of what Universal UK will look like. There is a bright blue lake in the centre, surrounded by rides, arenas and retail units. Several rollercoasters can be seen, one of them appears to extend over the lake. It is surrounded by images of green fields.UNIVERSAL DESTINATIONS AND EXPERIENCES/COMCAST
Universal Studios is expected to draw 8.5 million visitors a year to just outside Bedford when its planned opening takes place in 2031

The move would bring England into line with Scotland and Wales, which will both bring in a tourist tax next year — £1.30 per night for Wales and 5% for Scotland.

When the tax idea was announced in November, Reed said: "Mayors and other local leaders know their local history, local culture and the unique attributes of their places that draw visitors in."

New York, Paris and Milan are among those that already charge a tourist tax, with research showing that reasonable fees have minimal impact on visitor numbers.

Studies suggest a levy of £1 per day in London could raise £91m a year for the capital.

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Universal United Kingdom Resort, which is due to open at Kempston Hardwick in 2031, is expected to have more visitors than any other UK tourist attraction, with estimates currently at 8.5 million a year.

But, speaking to BBC Three Counties Radio's Rollercoaster programme about the potential overnight visitor levy, Wootton said: "I can't say I'm in favour of it. I'm a Tory! How can a Tory be ever in favour of extra tax?

"It's something that you've got to look at in the long term and they have them in other towns and it works and [sometimes] it doesn't work."

"Let's see, because my experience with the government is what they say and what actually happens are often two separate things."

Amy Holmes/BBC Two people, radio presenter Olly Mann on the left, and the Mayor of Bedford on the right are pictured conducting an interview in a professional radio studio surrounded by microphones, computer screens, and audio mixing equipment.Amy Holmes/BBC
Conservative Mayor Tom Wootton told BBC Three Counties Radio's Olly Mann that as a Tory, he would not be in favour of bringing in any more taxes

Combined authorities led by an elected mayor are the government's preferred way of linking counties so they can be handed powers in areas such as regional housing and transport.

West and North Northamptonshire councils had submitted bids for a South Midlands Combined Authority, while Milton Keynes City Council teamed up with Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire and Luton councils to enter a joint expression of interest.

However, in February 2025 the government announced those proposals would not be part of the first tranche of fast-tracked mayoral authorities.

Bedford Borough would expect to retain its directly-elected mayor alongside any new mayor in charge of a wider combined authority area.

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