Visitor Levy update from Malcolm Macleod, Assistant Chief Executive (Place), Highland Council:
“I’ve been consistent in what I’ve said – we are going to go through to the 31st March – after that there will be a pause. We will not be rushing to put a proposal to Council. We need to fundamentally review what is currently on the table – and I hope to work with everyone to try and come up with a redesigned proposal – so yes, there will effectively be a restart to the process after 31st March, we have taken in so much information and concerns that we need to go back in order to move forward. As far as I am concerned that means looking at what people have said and building from there in partnership.
We need to reach the end of the current consultation and take stock, and move forward – that was also the message at the meeting Craig was at. So people should continue to contribute to the consultation. The discussion at Caol community council last night was exactly along these lines”
Fiona Campbell, CEO of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers said:
“With the deadline fast approaching, we would encourage all businesses in the area to respond to this important consultation. The ASSC commends The Highland Council for engaging with stakeholders as well as their commitment to an evidence-based approach with a proper assessment of the responses.
Given the value of the tourism sector to the Highlands, we simply cannot afford to make mistakes. If taken forward, it needs to be right from the outset and rushing such an important decision benefits no one.
The ASSC continues to have major reservations about the introduction of a tourist tax in the Highlands and elsewhere in Scotland. We believe that a VAT-attributed percentage rate is overly complex and costly for accommodation providers. This stems from deficiencies in the national legislation and the ASSC will be imploring the Scottish Government to urgently revisit the charging model.
All levels of government must work closely with the business community – those who will ultimately be responsible for the administration of any new tax – so that legislation is fit for purpose and the regulatory burden is minimised.”