A new levy on overnight stays is being considered for visitors to Oxford.

Oxford City Council is exploring the idea of introducing an Accommodation Business Improvement District (ABID) which would add a surcharge – sometimes referred to as a "tourist tax" – to hotel and college room rates.

It is estimated the scheme could generate £2.5m a year which would be reinvested in the local tourist economy.

At a meeting of the council's scrutiny committee on Tuesday, members discussed the potential impact of the plan.

More than 32 million people visited the city last year, according to council figures, with tourism supporting about 40,000 jobs.

A £2 nightly charge on overnight stays in hotels and college rooms could help fund improvements to the city's visitor offer, the council said. (BBC)