THE YORK BRIEF ⏰ Thursday, May 14, 2026
York’s tourist tax plans move closer after the King’s Speech, York Central lands a major UK design shortlist, Castle Howard shuts for mystery filming, and a prankster tricks pub-goers into shouting at jukeboxes. Plus courts, business, sport, culture and more from across York today.
THE YORK BRIEF ⏰ Thursday, May 14, 2026
Your daily digest of what's happening in York
SUBSCRIBE TO THE YORK BRIEFGood morning, York. The King's Speech confirmed the tourist tax yesterday - and the Mayor of York called it "a total game changer." York Central has been shortlisted for UK Design Capital of the Year. A York man's child sex sentence has been extended after a third victim came forward. A farmer called Peter Parker has been jailed, and North Yorkshire Police were the ones who caught him. Castle Howard is closed for filming. And a mysterious prankster at the Stone Roses bar on King Street has been unmasked.
💷 Lead - Visitor Levy
💷 King's Speech confirms tourist tax powers - York Mayor: "total game changer." Hospitality sector: "harm incoming." - The Overnight Visitor Levy Bill was confirmed in the King's Speech on Wednesday, giving English mayors the power to charge guests a nightly fee for accommodation. For York and North Yorkshire, research by York St John University estimates a £2 per room per night levy could raise to £52.2 million a year.
Mayor David Skaith said: "A visitor levy would be a total game changer for our region. It's an opportunity to drive investment into our communities and back businesses in our tourism and hospitality sectors with the support we all know they need."
The debate continues - the bill will need to pass Parliament before any York levy is possible. YorkMix | YorkPress | Yorkshire Post
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