A number of headlines today have suggested a possible "tourism tax" for visitors to Universal United Kingdom Resort — but after watching the meeting video I think the headlines make far more of it than was actually discussed.
This was not a council proposal or announcement. One councillor asked whether a government proposal for an overnight visitor levy could one day affect Bedford, after hearing it mentioned by a government minister in relation to devolution.
Council officers were clear in their response: Bedford isn't currently having those conversations, and there's no indication that an overnight visitor levy is being planned locally.
Another councillor then added his own view, saying a tourism tax would be "the absolute last thing this project needs" because the priority should be attracting visitors to stay in Bedford rather than elsewhere.
So, despite the headlines, there are currently no plans for a tourism tax in Bedford connected with Universal.
I've linked the full article in the comments if you'd like to read it for yourself and make up your own mind.
