Tourism levy ‘important step in fiscal devolution’
Devolving the visitor levy to local areas will enable significant investment in the visitor economy, boosting local attractions and tourism businesses, says the LGA.
Devolving the visitor levy to local areas will enable significant investment in the visitor economy, boosting local attractions and tourism businesses, says the LGA.
I would like to wish everyone across the local government family a prosperous 2026 and congratulate all those in the sector who were recognised for their efforts in the New Year Honours List – in particular, the former Leader of Buckinghamshire Council Cllr Martin Tett, who has been made a CBE.
As we enter 2026, local government faces a year of significant change.
Across the country, political leaders share a common goal: creating an environment where private enterprise can flourish, which, in turn, creates more and better-paid jobs, allowing workers to keep more money in their pockets. A virtuous circle, so to speak.
Following the 1 May local elections, I want to recognise and send my personal commiserations to colleagues across the political spectrum who were unsuccessful at the ballot box.
Elections to eight English councils, due to take place this May, will be postponed until 2026 to help pave the way for six new devolution deals.
Two-tier council areas will be forced to reorganise if they don’t come up with their own plans under proposals set out in the Government’s English Devolution White Paper.