The Tees Valley mayor has said he will not introduce a "tourist tax" in the region after new powers were announced for mayors.

Visitors to English cities and regions could face paying a new tax to fund local projects.

Mayors will be given the power to impose a "modest" charge on visitors staying in hotels, bed and breakfasts, guest houses, and holiday lets.

However, UKHospitality boss Kate Nicholls condemned the measure as "damaging."

Lord Houchen, the Conservative Tees Valley mayor, said: "I won't be using this power.

"There will be no tourist tax in Teesside, Darlington,........

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