Plans to introduce a levy on hotel stays in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have been halted after the Government declared the result of a ballot void.
Guests at around 70 large hotels were set to be charged an extra £2 per room every night through an Accommodation Business Improvement District (ABID) under plans that were due to be introduced last summer.
Hoteliers had approved the plans in a ballot, but a group of more than 40 hotels lodged an appeal over how it was conducted, delaying the introduction of the levy.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has now declared the result of the ballot void because of a ‘material irregularity’ due to an administrative error, which meant a small number of eligible hotels did not participate in the vote.
The Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole ABID said it was ‘deeply disappointed’.
Chair Rosie Radwell said: ‘The ABID board will now reflect on the outcome and engage with stakeholders to determine the best way forward.’
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council’s chief operating officer, Glynn Barton, said the local authority was also disappointed with the outcome of the appeal.
He added: ‘As an open and transparent council, we will reflect on the findings and recognise our responsibility, working hard and quickly, to put any appropriate measures in place.’
