Perthshire Conservatives have called on Perth and Kinross Council to ditch the Visitor Levy proposal after it was revealed that there is “overwhelming” local opposition to it.
Murdo Fraser MSP, Roz McCall MSP, Councillor John Duff, leader of the Scottish Conservative Group in Perth and Kinross, and Councillor Angus Forbes were reacting to the findings of a consultation carried out by the local authority on the Visitor Levy. During a recent meeting of Perth and Kinross Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, it was found only 29% of the consultation respondents are in favour of it, whilst 68% are against it.
Commenting, Mr Fraser said: “Perth and Kinross Council want to postpone a decision on whether to introduce the Visitor Levy until February while they wait further guidance from the Scottish Government. However, it is very clear from the results of this consultation that the majority of the public who responded are against it by more than two to one. It has overwhelming opposition.
“The council must now decide not to take the Visitor Levy forward.”
Mr Fraser continued: “It was shameful that the Liberal Democrats voted with the SNP to move forward to the next stage of the process. They should show some backbone and support us in calling for Visitor Levy to be ditched.”
And Roz McCall added: “The people of Perth have clearly and firmly rejected the Visitor Levy - they do not want it, and they should be listened to.
“Instead of dithering and dragging this out, the SNP council leadership in Perth and Kinross should drop this proposal once and for all. Local businesses are already under pressure, and the last thing they need is another burdensome tax dreamed up to plug gaps created by SNP economic mismanagement.”
Councillor Duff commented: “The businesses, residents and visitors of Perth and Kinross have spoken and have clearly and convincingly denounced the need for a Visitor Levy here. Such a significant majority against the imposition of this accommodation tax must surely mean that no Councillors can be contemplating bringing it in. If we go against the wishes of the very people we have invited to express their views, what is the point of conducting any further consultations?
“Bringing in a Visitor Levy will only result in fewer tourists coming to Perth and Kinross. Many commentators have said they would pass us by and go elsewhere if we did. Tourism is worth £641million to this area and keeps 8200 people in employment. Fewer tourists mean fewer visitor to our cafes, pubs, restaurants, shops and visitor attractions and, ultimately, will have an impact on jobs.
“This sector is still struggling post-Covid, visitor numbers and visitor spend is down on where it should be and short-term Let licensing costs have added to the burden. Most businesses have also been impacted by rising employee costs, increased inflation and the cost of living, adding a Visitor Levy to the mix could be the last straw for many.”
And Councillor Forbes, who is the opposition spokesperson on the Environment, Infrastructure and Economic Development, added: “With only 29% of people surveyed in favour of this proposal — and 68% against — it is very clear what our residents think. On that basis, I was deeply disappointed that the SNP, supported by the Liberal Democrats, voted to proceed to the next stage of this process. We had a perfect opportunity to stop wasting public money on a plan which most residents strongly oppose.
“Just like with the Thimblerow swimming-pool controversy, this is another example of Perth and Kinross Council ignoring residents’ views and pressing ahead regardless of public sentiment.”
