Jowell to propose London Hotel Levy to fund cultural activities in the capital

Tessa Jowell, MP for Dulwich and West Norwood and Labour London Mayor hopeful, will tonight propose a London Hotel Levy, the money from which would be used to fund cultural and leisure activities across the capital.

At an event on devolution tonight, held by LabourList in partnership with Localis, Jowell will suggest a 1% Hotel Levy on overnight stays in London. She will predict this will raise £50 million – money that she would use to make big events, like the New Years Firework display, free to Londoners.

This money would also go towards a new culture fund, which London boroughs would make bids towards to fund free community events. This would also, she will say, help to address the cultural inequality facing London’s children.

Jowell will explain that  this kind of scheme is similar to those in Rome, Paris and New York – and that it is only right to give every child an equal opportunities to enjoy what London has to offer:

“London is the world’s greatest city – that’s why we are number one for tourism – but too many London children never have the chance to enjoy the cinemas, theatres and galleries that make our city famous. That has to change.

 “The next Mayor should introduce a 1% Hotel Levy to fund free events for Londoners, give boroughs the opportunity to bid for new cash for their communities and help our city address the cultural inequality facing our children. 

“Tourists benefit from our city’s infrastructure and public service. That’s only right, but every other major city in the world asks tourists to contribute a little to making the city work – and it’s time for London to do the same.

“Let’s build One London not two – where every child has the chance to enjoy the incredible cultural opportunities our city has to offer.”