NALC survey highlights support for local share of Overnight Visitor Levy funding

In a recent survey designed to gather evidence from the parish and town council sector, specifically Super Councils, on the proposed Overnight Visitor Levy, 91% of respondents said parish and town councils should be allowed to retain a portion of the funding raised to support the services they provide. 

In the King's Speech on 13 May 2026, the government announced plans to introduce an Overnight Visitor Levy Bill during the current parliamentary session. The legislation would give English mayors and local authorities powers to introduce a local charge on overnight stays, with revenue reinvested in visitor economies and community services. 

The survey found that 73% of respondents said their Super Council, defined by NALC as a member council with either an annual turnover of more than £1 million or an annual precept income of more than £1.5 million, currently delivers visitor attractions and services, including major events, cultural activities, heritage assets and transport services, which could directly benefit from support funded through the levy. 

In addition, 79% of respondents said the local economy and council services in their area should directly benefit from investment generated by the levy. A further 67% agreed with NALC's and the Local Government Association's (LGA) position that the government should introduce a national registration scheme for short-term lets so that providers are identifiable.