This call comes as Wembley goes from strength to strength, hosting a growing number of sell-out shows across the summer, with performances by Oasis, Dua Lipa, and Coldplay.
The council says a small contribution from those who stay in or visit some of Brent’s world-class facilities would make a big difference in funding high-quality local services and a cleaner, greener borough.
Drawing millions of visitors from around the globe, these events are boosting the local economy in Brent - Wembley Stadium alone supports more than1,800 local jobs and pumps £4.35million into the local economy with each non-sporting event.
But with this success come pressures on council services and residents. Brent Council actively partners with these big venues to get ahead of problems like waste, traffic congestion and noise, and to make sure local residents have access to events.
Now Brent is calling on the government to allow councils in England to introduce a discretionary visitor levy – similar to the one granted to Glasgow City Council by the devolved Scottish government and recently, by the Welsh Senedd. The money raised would be ring-fenced for street sweeping, parks and environmental enforcement.
The council argues that, as seen in cities across Europe, the income generated would help supplement funding at a time when local authorities like Brent face sustained financial pressures for statutory services like adults and children social care.
