Visitor levy seminars raise more questions than answers

The Argyll and Isles Tourism Co-operative hosted a meeting in Tarbert on Monday December 9 in a bid to explain how Argyll and Bute Council would implement a visitor levy.

 

The briefing was one of several organised throughout the region - another seminar is due to take place on Monday December 16 in the George Hotel, Inveraray, at 6pm - and came just 11 days before the council’s draft scheme is formally put before councillors.

 

On December 20 elected members will vote on approving the draft tax scheme for formal consultation at the beginning of next year.

 

However, business owners have reacted indignantly this week to Argyll and Bute Council’s Facebook post which asked: “What benefits could a visitor levy bring for you?”

 

In the six days since the question was first posed 82 comments have been posted in reply, none of which was positive.

 

Accusations of “inaccurate” and “biased” information were accompanied by claims that the levy would close down what businesses are left in Argyll and Bute”.

 

Pete Creech from the Heart of Argyll Tourism Alliance attended Monday’s seminar, after which he told the Advertiser: “There were many concerns raised and there was a general feeling that many part-time and ‘lifestyle’ businesses will choose to close, following those who have already called it a day due to the administrative and cost burden of the short-term letting scheme. 

 

“There was a feeling that elected members had insufficient knowledge as to the complexity of the tourism businesses in Argyll when trying to apply a ‘one-size fits all’ solution.”

 

However, a spokesperson for Argyll and Bute Council told the Advertiser: “No decision has been made on the proposed visitor levy scheme. 

 

“The draft scheme will go to a special council meeting on December 20 and, if approved for consultation, the public will have the opportunity to give us their views over 12 weeks, from January to March 2025.

 

“During this time, we would contact all accommodation providers on our database to invite them for their input.

 

“The consultation would be an opportunity for local business owners, stakeholders, and residents to provide valuable input on the proposal, ensuring all perspectives are considered before any decisions are finalised.”

 

The three-month time scale for consultation caused concern to many who attended the Tarbert meeting, including Kintyre Councillor Tommy MacPherson.

 

“Democracy dictates this will go the distance, yet with a May/June timeframe proposed for when elected members are to vote on approving the visitor levy. I am critical as to whether 12 weeks will afford enough time for robust consultation, case studies and impact assessments,” he said.

 

“There are too many unanswered questions. What is coming across is the scheme’s complexity and the resulting confusion, cynicism, and anxiety.”

 

The confusion to which the councillor referred has been blamed, in part, to the way in which Argyll and Bute Council has communicated with stakeholders.