James O'Brien - The Whole Show James O'Brien - The Whole Show

What it's like living in a British tourist town

Sep 21, 2026 · 2h 25m

Summary

James O’Brien explores the proposed UK tourist tax, arguing that visitors should pay for the infrastructure wear and tear they cause. He interviews residents of holiday destinations like Ludlow, Exmouth, and Brighton, who detail the strain on local services, sewage, and public spaces. The discussion contrasts the "feudal" deference to wealthy tax exiles like Jim Ratcliffe with the practical benefits of a small nightly levy, noting that similar schemes already exist in Europe.

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