Many people ask me about a ‘tourist tax’ for Cornwall. They point to increased traffic on our roads, waste piling up by bins in our coastal towns, and cars parked along roadsides in visitor hotspots. The season is getting longer, with towns like St Ives rarely experiencing any respite from the hordes with their demands for cleaner toilets, more parking and more ‘to do’.

The Scottish government passed a law in May 2024 to allow local authorities to levy tax on its tourists. The proceeds will be invested in affordable housing, culture, heritage and reducing the impact tourists have on services including cleaning up its streets.

If you’ve ever travelled in Europe, you cannot fail to have paid tourist taxes. My favourite tax, if there is such a thing, was in Grindelwald, Switzerland where I paid a staggering £5 a night to the local authority. In exchange, I received a ‘free’ pass to public transport and services including the local gym, swimming pool and leisure centre. Now I call that value for money.

Considering many local people would welcome a tourist tax and businesses can see the benefit of a visitor levy, what’s stopping Cornwall Council from lobbying government for the powers to impose one? It’s a win-win solution that will enable investment into our beautiful county for residents and tourists alike.

Well, the last Conservative administration dropped the idea like a hot potato, worried about Cornwall becoming less competitive than Devon – as if! And a timid Lib Dem/Independent coalition may not wish to rock the boat.

Because Cornwall Green Party support local taxation for local benefit, I’ve requested Cornwall Council reopen the discussion on a possible local tourist levy. I have my fingers crossed. You should too.

Karen La Borde (Green), Cornwall councillor for Gloweth, Malabar and Shortlanesend