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As Edinburgh gears up to become the first UK city to introduce a £2 a day visitor levy, London mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey has pledged to introduce a similar tourist tax in the British capital.
Bailey, who is running for London mayor next year, claims a 1 per cent tax could raise £48 million a year for the capital's coffers.
The tax would be a flat rate applicable to all foreign bookings in hotels and flat rentals, he said.
According to Bailey, it would cost an average of £1.32 a night in a four-star hotel, which works out at just under £10 for a week's stay.
London street photography – exploring the UK's capital
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The money raised from the levy would be spent on training an extra 400 police officers and investing in young artists in London.
"By investing in the next generation of London artists we will ensure visitors keep coming to our great city,” said Bailey.
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