South Ayrshire Council Advised to Delay Visitor Levy Introduction

People are sharing views on a tourist tax. This tax is for overnight stays. Scottish councils can charge this fee. The money could improve visitor and resident services. Initial estimates show £500,000 yearly after costs with a five percent fee.

Fiona Campbell leads the ASSC. She says now is not right for this tax and urges local firms to join the survey. Campbell thinks the council should wait, as Edinburgh is testing this tax first. South Ayrshire should watch them closely.

Campbell said short-term lets help a lot, giving South Ayrshire £33 million annually and supporting over 1,000 local jobs. The council must be clear about who pays and explain how to spend the money.

This tax applies to Scots staying overnight, who already pay for local things. If the council proceeds, do it thoughtfully. Good rules and tourist money are key; poor choices hurt the local industry.

Alec Clark is a councillor for tourism. Only Edinburgh plans this tax so far. He wants to know resident and business thoughts before any plan gets considered. How to use the money is also important.

A visitor levy forum might form where tourism groups, local shops, and towns can join. They decide funding use in the forum. The survey at south-ayrshire.gov.uk closes May 9.

After review, the council decides on a plan and on local tax breaks too. Formal talks and setup take 18 months. The tax covers many places, such as hotels, campsites, guest houses, and rentals.