After whispers about a tourist tax being imposed on Brent Council after it’s huge influx of tourists attending shows at Wembley Stadium, this south London seems to be next.
The proposed tourist tax is designed to give back to the community, improve local infrastructure, and bolster its reputation as a destination to visit and enjoy. Following in the footsteps of cities like Liverpool, Edinburgh, and Manchester which raised £2.8m from a similar scheme in its first year – Lambeth’s “Love Lambeth Levy” could soon see visitors paying a small overnight fee on accommodation, including hotels and short-term lets.
Why is Lambeth considering a tourist tax?
Despite its reputation as a collection of local neighbourhoods think Brixton, Clapham, Vauxhall, Streatham, and Norwood. Lambeth is home to several world-class attractions, including the London Eye, the National Theatre, and the Southbank Centre.
The South Bank itself draws tens of millions annually, with around 200,000 nighttime visitors each weekend. Lambeth Labourleading the campaign, aims to channel tourist tax revenue into public realm improvements, such as street cleaning and ongoing maintenance, while promoting Lambeth as a top-tier place to visit and live.
Community and business reactions to the proposed tourist tax in Lambeth
Local business owners hold mixed views about the new levy. Some, particularly those in Brixton Village marketworry that the tax could deter visitors at a time when footfall is already fragile. For independent shops and markets, any added cost for customers is seen as another barrier.
Andrew Murray-Watson, founder of the Brixton Village shop Guzzlis not opposed to the tax, but emphasises that it needs careful management and transparent reinvestment back into the community. Others, like Jack Lander from the Bristol pizza chain Pizzarova, now in Pop Brixtonquestion how the levy would be applied across London, given that visitors staying in Westminster could avoid the fee while those in Brixton would not.
How would the levy work?
Although details are still under discussion, the proposed tourist tax would likely be added to accommodation costs, much as similar schemes operate in Manchester, Edinburgh, and Liverpool. The goal: to ensure that the influx of visitors directly benefits local maintenance and helps Lambeth thrive, rather than straining resources and leaving residents footing the bill.
