An MP has called for medical exemptions to proposed "tourist tax" powers that would allow local leaders to charge a percentage levy on overnight stays. Alicia Kearns described how her daughter required brain surgery and lengthy follow-up helmet fittings at Great Ormond Street Hospital, forcing families to travel to London and often stay overnight. Labour regional mayors have pledged a 5% cap after warnings from hospitality leaders, while some Reform UK and Conservative regional mayors are expected to oppose the levy. The government says the power is part of devolution and that proceeds will be reinvested locally.
MP Urges Medical Exemptions From Proposed 'Tourist Tax' After Families Face Extra Overnight Costs
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An MP has urged the government to introduce medical exemptions to planned powers allowing local leaders to charge a percentage levy on overnight accommodation, warning the charge would hit families who must travel and stay overnight for essential medical care.
Alicia Kearns, Conservative MP for Rutland and Stamford, recounted her own experience when her daughter required brain surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital as an infant. Kearns said that following the operation the child needed 18 months of corrective helmet treatment, with fittings and adjustments often requiring monthly visits to London and overnight stays.
Personal Impact
Kearns described the emotional and financial strain of repeated hospital trips. She said families often travel long distances — from places such as Cornwall and Belfast — and sometimes must stay overnight because appointments start early and fittings are time-consuming. "For families facing the hardest time of their lives, an additional cost burden is just not acceptable," she told parliament.
"You think it's been the best day of your life and your baby's born and then your baby has to be thrown into NICU and have to spend months there... now people are going to have hundreds and hundreds of pounds put on top of their bills because they're having to stay in extra accommodation. It's wrong."
Political Context
Under the proposals, mayors and other local leaders would be given the power to levy an uncapped percentage charge on the price of hotels, bed and breakfasts and other overnight accommodation. Labour's regional mayors in 10 English city regions have pledged to cap any new overnight visitor fee at 5% after warnings from the hospitality sector that higher charges could threaten jobs.
By contrast, Reform UK’s regional mayors and some Conservative regional leaders are expected to oppose any levy, reflecting wider party criticism of the policy.
Government Position
A government spokesperson defended the move as part of a wider devolution drive, saying the new powers shift authority away from Westminster to local areas. The government also said funds raised by the levy would be reinvested in local economies — for high streets, public transport and tourism events — to support visitors, businesses and residents.
The proposals are likely to prompt further debate in Parliament and in local authorities about exemptions, caps and the design of any levy to protect vulnerable families who travel for medical treatment.
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