MP launches survey to seek views on ‘tourist tax’ for the Lake District

South Lakes MP Tim Farron wants to hear from local people about their views on the idea of a tourist tax to raise funds for local infrastructure.

The idea was mentioned several times during Tim's recent summer tour, and he's keen to start a conversation with local residents, councils and the tourism industry to find out what people think and whether the idea has any merit.

Tourist taxes are common on the continent, with the money raised then usually used to help provide better facilities for local people, pay for infrastructure, or promote tourism.

Tim said: "During my recent summer tour, the idea of a tourist tax was mentioned on numerous occasions as a way of tourism being able to more directly benefit local communities.

"Heavy government cuts mean local authorities have less and less money and so we need to explore more avenues to raise money to cope with an increasing number of people visiting the Lake District.

"However, tourism plays such a vital role for our economy so any new scheme that is brought in must not be so drastic that it puts people off visiting our beautiful part of the world.

"That's why I want to hear from local residents about whether or not a tourist tax is a good idea, and if so how they would you like to see it work."

To take part in the survey, head to https://timfarron.co.uk/en/survey/tourist-tax