Cyngor Gwynedd has agreed to delay its decision over the possible introduction of the so called ‘tourist tax’ in the county.
A consultation seeking views over proposals to introduce the Visitor Levy saw almost 7,000 responses – higher than in other council areas.
Initial analysis of data showed a “mixed picture” with residents slightly more in support and higher levels of opposition among visitors and businesses.
Cllr Medwyn Hughes presented an update report on the consultation at a full council meeting of Cyngor Gwynedd on Thursday, September 24.
The council agreed to accept the report, and to agree to a further report “once analysis work and assessment” of the public consultation, which was carried out between May and July, was finally completed.
“The aim of the consultation was not only for us to understand the level of support or opposition to the proposal, but more importantly, the potential impacts on communities, businesses, the economy, environment, Welsh language and local services,” Cllr Hughes said.
“The response to the consultation has been significant, 7,000 responses received which was much higher than other consultations on the same topic in other areas.”
Initial figures showed a mixed picture, he told the meeting.
“Among Gwynedd residents there was slightly more support for the levy. At the same time there were much higher levels of opposition among visitors and businesses,” he said.
“However, it is important to remember this consultation was not a vote or referendum, it was simply a consultation, its purpose to gather evidence and understand the potential impact of the proposal.”
A total of 6,856 responses were received, which was considerably higher when compared with the 2,000 responses received on Anglesey, and 1,300 in Conwy.
Based on initial analysis, figures had shown 48.7% of Gwynedd residents had supported the Visitor Levy proposal, with 43.5% opposing the proposal.
Only 14.7% of businesses had supported it, while 79.5% had opposed and only 10.7% of visitors had supported, whilst 79.9% opposed.
When considering the overall response, including visitors, residents and businesses, 22.7% supported the Visitor Levy proposal and 68.5% had opposed.
The levy proposes a nightly charge for people staying overnight in visitor accommodation, such as hotels, bed & breakfast, self-catering accommodation, holiday caravans, campsites, hostels and shared accommodation.
Fees for hostels, shared rooms and tent pitches would be 75p + VAT (£0.90) per person per night, whilst most other types of accommodation; hotels, B&Bs, self-catering, caravans etc, would be charged at £1.30 + VAT (£1.56).
Exceptions would be given to visitors under the age of 18 and staying in tent pitches or shared accommodation, and where a stay lasts more than 31 nights within a single booking, and where accommodation was emergency or temporary housing arranged by a local authority.
Money raised from the levy would be reinvested locally to support communities, culture, the Welsh language, the environment, facilities and infrastructure.
The Professional Association of Self-Caterers (PASC UK), which supports the self-catering, short-term lets and holiday lets sector in England and Wales, has welcomed moves by Conwy, Anglesey and Gwynedd to hold off on introducing a Visitor Levy, describing the decisions as “a victory for common sense, evidence-led policymaking and Wales’ visitor economy”.
Share