Who pays for the Lake District?

Published: 20 November 2024 

New report shows how innovative new tourism schemes could better support the National Park.

New research, commissioned by the Friends of the Lake District, brings together international evidence on how the tourism economy could support National Parks to thrive. The Report, Who Pays for the Lake District? published today shows that there are several different ways that money can be raised, based on case studies from around the world. These include: a tax on overnight stays, a visitor vehicle levy charge, a visitor parking charge, or the development of a tourist improvement district.

Friends of the Lake District’s policy officer Kate Willshaw said:  

“We know that tourism plays a vital role in supporting local economies. But we also know, from this research, that unbalanced, poorly supported tourism can put pressure on local communities and undermine the visitor experience.

“Based on this research, we believe that we need to explore the various schemes that could be implemented to address the impacts of tourism in the Lake District and unlock investment in vital areas like public transport. We hope that this report provides the basis for a discussion about the most appropriate type of scheme for the Lake District and for developing a plan to make this happen.”

Dr Rose O’Neill, Chief Executive of Campaign for National Parks said:

“When National Parks were established 75 years ago, it was so that all citizens, no matter their background, could immerse themselves in the wonders of nature. National Parks are one of our biggest success stories, bringing huge benefits in terms of health and wellbeing, and billions of pounds and thousands of jobs to support local rural economies. But this report shows governments in England and Wales need to step up to ensure that the essential infrastructure is in place to support regenerative tourism, so that the hundred million visits to National Parks each year become a force for recovery, for nature and ourselves. Today’s report sets out a blueprint, showing how innovative charging for car users, combined with proper investment in National Park Authorities and effective regulation of sewage and other pollutants, could support that regeneration.

“National Park Authorities have faced a real-terms cut of over 40% in the last decade and are being pushed to breaking point. Proper public funding of National Parks is absolutely essential to safeguard their future. We welcome Welsh Government’s plans to bring in legislation for a visitor levy, and we hope for amends so that all revenue raised within National Parks are ringfenced to support those Parks, and safeguards are in place to close access inequalities. We call on the UK Government to explore changes in law to allow for innovative sources of funding in England, to drive growth and nature and climate recovery within National Parks, in a way that does not negatively impact those on the lowest income, those dependant on cars for health reasons and local communities.”

The Friends of the Lake District full report can be downloaded from: www.friendsofthelakedistrict.org.uk/whopaysreport

Welsh Government’s Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill is due to be introduced to the Senedd on 25 November: https://www.gov.wales/written-statement-legislating-support-tourism-wales