Argyll and Bute visitor levy 'must be as simple as possible'

A report revealed that a five per cent additional charge for accommodation facilities in the area has been suggested as part of the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act, which received Royal assent earlier this year.

A public consultation period will take place before any implementation, which will not be until autumn 2026 at the earliest.

The discussion took place at a meeting of the council’s short life working group on the visitor levy on Tuesday, October 1.

Cllr Julie McKenzie (Image: Argyll and Bute Council) Councillor Julie McKenzie (SNP, Oban North and Lorn) said: “We do not have all the guidance needed and that gives me the fear slightly, because this is something that is really important we get right in Argyll and Bute.

“It can have big positives and potentially negatives for some of our businesses. I would have liked to see much greater consultation being done locally ahead of us coming forward with a plan that we have to agree on.”

Executive director Kirsty Flanagan responded: “It is something that probably would have been helpful, but the council decided at its last meeting to bring forward progress in November so that we had the opportunity to implement the levy as soon as possible to create the biggest benefit for the area.”

Ishabel Bremner, the council’s economic development manager, added: “Edinburgh City Council has done a lot of engagement over a period of time, even before the act came into being in July.

“It is not a level playing field, because we do not have the same amount of time, but what we are proposing is something we thought would be quite useful during the 12-week period.

“Business Gateway could deliver some awareness-raising events, to tell people what the levy is and give people a chance to respond to the consultation.”

Councillor Gary Mulvaney (Conservative, Helensburgh Central) added: “I think Councillor McKenzie has put it well. If you set out asking businesses whether they want to take this on as an extra responsibility I think the answer would be no.

“If you ask them about the means of doing it at a percentage rate, I think most would say a flat rate would be easier to administer. But at the same time, businesses are adaptable.

“Looking at it from a business point of view, it is not the most complicated thing unless you make it complicated. A five per cent levy is relatively easy to work out, and the business is not paying it – the visitor is.

“We need to ensure the means of it are as simple as possible. If it is complicated then they will have a legitimate gripe with us.”