In April 2006, Caterer and Hotelkeeper launched a “Say No To Bed Tax” campaign demanding that plans to levy an extra 5-10% on overnight stays were scrapped.
We garnered the support of major industry players, including Travelodge, the British Hospitality Association and the Tourism Alliance.
In July 2006, Caterer delivered more than 4,000 signed petitions from readers to Sir Michael Lyons, the man heading up the inquiry into the future of local government.
In March 2007, the Government ruled out implementation of a bed tax, just hours after the Lyons Inquiry into local government funding recommended a consultation on the proposal.
The decision meant relief for operators across England and Wales, but the issue has not gone away in Scotland with legislators continuing to make ominous noises about a bed tax.
We have all the background to our campaign and the latest news on this dedicated landing page
Latest bed tax News
Bed tax threat to Edinburgh revived >>
Bed tax plans ruled out by government >>
BHA vowes to continue fight against bed tax >>
Voluntary bed tax proposals could raise £5m, says Scottish tourism body >>
Scottish Tourism Forum rejects the idea of bed tax >>
Butlins stages lie-in to protest against a bed tax >>
Harrogate hotel owner protests against bed tax >>
Grant Hearn warns local authorities of a consumer backlash over bed tax >>
Industry says Lyons doesn't understand tourism >>
Conservatives join Caterer's bed tax campaign >>
Industry protests against plans for Scottish bed tax >>
Caterer delivers 4,000 bed tax petitions >>
Minister welcomes protests over bed tax >>
Tories add voioce to bed tax campaign >>
Support swells in all sectors >>
Conservatives voices its opposition to bed tax >>
Lib Dems back our bed tax campaign >>
Report reveals disastrous cost of bed tax >>
MPs back Say No To Bed Tax campaign >>
Scotland looks into imposing its own bed tax >>
English bed tax still under consideration >>
Smaller operators join bed tax fight >>
Lyons delivers interim report early >>
Hospitality and tourism team up to fight bed tax >>
BHA says VAT will be added to bed tax >>
Industry heavyweights back Say No To Bed Tax campaign >>
Sign up today to block the bed tax >>
Industry backs Caterer campaign on unfair tax >>
With your help we can stop this tax >>
Hotel chief slams bed tax apathy >>
Bed tax: Feature
Government Says No To Bed Tax in a few hours >>
Bed tax: Hearn's way >>
Bed tax: Comments
Bob Cotton's top 10 crazy laws >>
Sleeping with the bed tax >>
This idea is a non-starter >>
Bed tax blues from around the world >>
Bed Tax - a tax on tourism >>
Lie down and be counted >>
Bed tax: Why pick on one industry? >>
Bed tax: Letters
Bed tax: nothing has yet been decided >>
This too will pass >>
Positively relishing a ban on pub smoking >>
We need a bed tax champion >>
Solid support for bed tax campaign >>
How can this help industry? >>
Proposal has widespread repercussions >>
Bed tax would harm our ability to compete >>
Bed tax will send Brits overseas >>
Uneasy rest with bed tax >>
This tax could deter tourists >>
Who else will join the fight against bed tax? >>