Visitor Levy Bill offers Greater Manchester power to charge overnight guests

Greater Manchester could introduce a charge on overnight visitors under the Visitor Levy Bill, presented to the House of Commons on Wednesday 4 November.

The bill would give mayors and local leaders the option to introduce a levy. It would be calculated as a percentage of the accommodation price, rather than a flat fee, and would apply only to the first 28 consecutive days of a stay. Ten mayors have committed to setting any levy in their areas no higher than 5%.

The government says money raised would stay in the local area. It could fund improvements to high streets and public spaces, including parks and toilets, as well as cultural events, security and destination promotion.

Greater Manchester Mayor Bev Craig said a Greater Manchester levy should be designed with councils, businesses and the hospitality sector. She said that any levy should serve the city region and be designed in collaboration with its councils, businesses and local hospitality sector, while the funds raised locally should benefit Greater Manchester’s residents and businesses.

Manchester already has a separate, industry-led City Visitor Charge. It raised £2.8 million in its first year and £10.5 million since its launch. The money has supported street cleaning, event bids and marketing. The Manchester Accommodation BID zone included 81 accommodation establishments in May 2026.

The existing charge has applied since April 2023. Manchester Accommodation BID says it adds £1 per room or unit per night to the accommodation bill, plus VAT where applicable. It covers most paid accommodation in the BID zone.