West Dunbartonshire residents urged to share views on proposed 'tourist tax'
Residents in West Dunbartonshire are to be asked to share their thoughts on a proposed 'tourist tax' for the region that would see visitors hit with a five per cent levy on overnight accommodation.
West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC) has launched a 12-week consultation with nine questions focused on the possible introduction of the scheme in the region.
Under new powers granted by the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act 2024, the draft scheme proposes a five per cent levy on overnight stays across all forms of paid visitor accommodation within the WDC area.
If approved, money raised would be used for the benefit of the visitor economy under a number of categories – including infrastructure, culture and heritage, environmental protection, tourism marketing and business and skills support.
The 'tourist tax' would see guests at hospitality venues booking overnight stays slapped with a five per cent fee. It is proposed that a five per cent fee is added to all overnight stays from July 1 2027 but is is dependent on councillors supporting the move.
Those taking part in the consultation are being asked to rank the categories in order of preference and also put forward other suggestions for areas of potential investment.
If approved, part of the budget could be earmarked for projects which the community would vote on.
The consultation, available to access via the WDC's website or in person at the council offices at 6 Church Street, in Dumbarton, will run until Tuesday, October 21, at 5pm.
No decision has yet been made on whether WDC will introduce the visitor levy and the information gathered through the consultation process will be collated and considered by the council at a future committee meeting.
Convener of Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development, Councillor David McBride, said: 'I want to thank the hundreds of people who responded to the initial consultation earlier this year and would encourage them and others to give their views this time around to this more detailed plan.
'This part of the consultation focuses on the level of fee which would be paid and how the visitor levy would be operated and ultimately distributed.
'It is vital to note that no decision has yet been made which is why it is so important that feedback is given so councillors can make an informed decision.'
Vice Convener of Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development, Councillor Lawrence O'Neill, added: 'Regardless of whether you are in favour or not of a visitor levy, this is a prime opportunity to give your views as part of this consultation process.
'It is a straightforward survey which can be completed in a matter of minutes and so I would urge everyone to have their say.'
The survey as part of the consultation can be accessed by clicking here.
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