Concerts and sporting events at Wembley Stadium and Wembley Arena could soon cost fans more – yes, more than they already do.
Brent Council is pushing forward with plans for a pioneering “ticket tax” on top of a tourist tax. The move, inspired by similar schemes in Manchester, Liverpool, and several European citiesaims to ensure that the surging number of major events at the famous venues contributes directly to maintaining and improving the local area.
Why a ticket tax?
Wembley attracts millions each year, with each major non-sporting event boosting the local Brent economy by an estimated £4.35million. However, these benefits come with substantial downsides for residents: increased noise, crowded transport, more rubbish, pollution, and additional demand on council services.
Brent Council argues that current funding does not go far enough to address these issues, and that a locally collected visitor levy or direct ticket tax would be a “just and forward-thinking method” to manage the community impact – similar to visitor levies seen in Europe and now being piloted around the UK.
How would the ticket tax work?
Brent Council is already seeking government permission to introduce a tourist levy on overnight stays in local hotels and short-term rentals, inspired by models where tourists pay a small fee per night. For example, Manchester’s £1 per night hotel tax raised £2.8million in its first year.
The council now plans to consult with the Mayor of London and event promoters to explore a voluntary charge on event tickets too – meaning a small portion of every gig or match ticket at Wembley could go toward supporting local services and grassroots cultural programs.
English councils currently lack the legal authority for tourist taxes, so Brent must obtain central government approval. Similar efforts are already underway in Wales and Scotland, where statutory frameworks for visitor levies are being put in place.
Where would the money go?
Funds raised would be earmarked for:
- Better waste management and enforcement.
- Planting more street trees and improving green spaces.
- Enhancing local parks and maintaining public infrastructure.
- Supporting community and cultural projects that benefit local residents.
What’s next?
The council has passed a motion to move forward, including formally requesting the required powers from the Secretary of State and lobbying for mayoral and industry support. If successful, this could set a national precedent for event-hosting cities keen to balance economic benefits with community wellbeing.
If Brent’s ticket tax is adopted, fans heading to gigs or staying overnight for Wembley events in the near future may pay a little more but with the promise that their pounds will help keep the local community clean and green.
