Published on
November 17, 2025
Lambeth Labour has introduced a bold proposal calling for the implementation of a UK-wide overnight visitor levy aimed at benefiting local infrastructure and promoting sustainable tourism across London. With the borough attracting millions of visitors each year to its iconic landmarks and cultural hotspots, the council believes that this levy will allow the tourism sector to contribute more directly to the community. The funds raised would be reinvested into essential public services such as street cleaning, green space maintenance, and other community-driven projects, ensuring that both residents and visitors can enjoy a cleaner, more sustainable environment. This initiative, if approved, could serve as a model for other boroughs across the capital and beyond, balancing tourism growth with the needs of local communities.
Understanding the Visitor Levy
The proposed “Love Lambeth Levy” would involve a small charge added to the cost of accommodation for overnight tourists. This extra fee would help mitigate the impact of tourism on local services and infrastructure, directing the collected funds into improvements that benefit the community. This concept of a visitor levy has been adopted by numerous cities across Europe and beyond, where similar schemes have proven successful in ensuring that tourism contributes to the local economy while reducing the strain on public services.
Lambeth is home to some of London’s most iconic landmarks, such as the London Eye, Brixton’s O2 Academy, and the Oval Cricket Ground, all of which draw large crowds each year. The South Bank area, with cultural venues like the National Theatre and the British Film Institute, attracts millions of visitors annually, making it one of the most visited regions of the city. With over three million visitors each month, and a significant spike in weekend tourism, Lambeth faces the challenge of maintaining its public spaces and services to accommodate this steady influx of tourists.
A Fair and Sustainable Model for Tourism
The council argues that a visitor levy offers a “fair and sustainable” solution to the challenges posed by tourism. By introducing this small charge, the revenue can be reinvested into public services like street cleaning, waste management, and maintaining the borough’s parks and green spaces. The funds would also be used to further promote Lambeth as a cultural destination and ensure that local residents enjoy the benefits of tourism without being burdened by its costs.
Lambeth Labour insists that the levy would create a balance between welcoming visitors and protecting the quality of life for local residents. With the borough’s popularity continuing to grow, the council believes it is crucial that the income generated from tourism supports both the local environment and the community infrastructure. The levy is seen as a way to ensure that tourism contributes to the betterment of the area, rather than placing a strain on its resources.
“We’re excited to expand Lambeth as a top place to live, work, and visit. The Love Lambeth Levy will ensure that the benefits of tourism reach our residents, not just the businesses,” the council stated in a recent announcement.
Legal Hurdles and Calls for Change
Currently, local authorities in England lack the legal authority to introduce a visitor levy, meaning Lambeth’s proposal is facing significant barriers. However, the council is urging the government to change the law and grant local councils the power to introduce this type of tax. On October 15, Lambeth passed a motion calling on ministers to allow local authorities to implement visitor levies, a step that will require collaboration with other London boroughs and the Mayor of London.
In cities like Manchester and Liverpool, Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) already levy charges on accommodation providers, which are then used to support local infrastructure. However, Lambeth is pushing for a more comprehensive approach, advocating for a citywide levy that would support all of London’s boroughs, rather than a patchwork system managed by individual districts.
Looking Beyond London: Regional Examples
Lambeth is not alone in its efforts. Scotland and Wales have already passed legislation to allow local authorities to introduce visitor levies, providing a valuable blueprint for London. In Scotland, visitor taxes are used to support local services, and the funds are directed toward tourism development projects. The success of these schemes in other parts of the UK highlights the potential benefits for Lambeth, should the government decide to follow suit.
While the UK government has previously resisted the idea of a tourist tax, there are signs that attitudes may be shifting. Pre-Budget discussions have suggested that the concept of a visitor levy could be revisited as part of upcoming financial changes, with an increasing number of voices calling for such a tax to be implemented in England.
Sustainable Tourism and Local Investment
The core aim of the Love Lambeth Levy is to create a more sustainable model for tourism, where the funds generated from visitors help to maintain the infrastructure and services that make the area an attractive destination. The revenue raised would be used to improve streets, parks, and public spaces, ensuring that Lambeth remains a welcoming and well-maintained environment for both locals and tourists.
In addition to benefiting the local community, the levy would encourage responsible tourism. By funding green initiatives and promoting eco-friendly travel, Lambeth hopes to foster a culture of sustainable tourism that respects the borough’s natural and cultural assets. The levy is part of a broader effort to manage the challenges posed by overtourism, ensuring that Lambeth’s growth as a tourist destination does not compromise its long-term sustainability.
A Model for Other Cities
If successful, Lambeth’s proposal could set a precedent for other cities and boroughs in the UK. The introduction of the Love Lambeth Levy would demonstrate how visitor levies can be used to create a fairer and more sustainable tourism model, benefiting both residents and visitors alike. As the UK government prepares to announce its budget, the debate surrounding tourism taxes is likely to gain momentum.
Should Lambeth’s visitor levy be approved, it could serve as a model for cities across the country looking to manage the impact of tourism more effectively. With growing support for sustainable tourism practices, Lambeth’s campaign may provide the push needed to bring the concept of a tourist tax to London and other major UK destinations, ensuring that tourism continues to contribute positively to local communities.
