Decision details

The Council gave consideration to a report presenting a potential model for a Visitor Levy Scheme for Argyll and Bute complete with associated consultation questions for residents, visitors and businesses and draft impact assessments.

 

Motion

 

That Argyll and Bute Council:

 

1.     Considers and endorses the content of this paper and its appendices:

a)    Appendix 1: Revised proposed Visitor Levy Scheme.

b)    Appendix 2: Revised consultation questions for residents, visitors and businesses.

c)     Appendix 3: Revised draft impact assessments to be informed by the consultation exercise.

 

2.     Considers and approves that the revised proposed Visitor levy Scheme goes out to a formal 12-week consultation

 

Moved by Councillor Jan Brown, seconded by Councillor Ross Moreland.

 

Amendment

 

Argyll & Bute Council:

 

a)    Considers the content of this paper and its appendices:

·       Appendix 1: Revised proposed Visitor Levy Scheme.

·       Appendix 2: Revised consultation questions for residents, visitor and businesses.

·       Appendix 3: Revised draft impact assessments to be informed by the consultation exercise.

 

b)    Expresses strong opposition to the introduction of any Visitor Levy Scheme within Argyll and Bute, considering the negative economic and administrative impacts such a levy would have on the tourism industry, local businesses, and residents.

 

c)     Rejects the need for any further consultation on the Visitor Levy Scheme, deeming it an unnecessary expense and an undue burden on council resources.

 

d)    Instructs officers to discontinue any plans related to the preparation, consultation, or implementation of a Visitor Levy Scheme.

 

e)    Calls on the Council Leader to strongly advocate to the Scottish Government and other relevant authorities against imposing a Visitor Levy on local authorities, highlighting the potential harm to the tourism-dependent economy of Argyll and Bute.

 

f)      Agrees that no additional council resources or officer time should be allocated to developing or promoting a Visitor Levy Scheme.

 

Moved by Councillor Amanda Hampsey, seconded by Councillor Peter Wallace.

 

As the meeting was being held on a hybrid basis, the vote required to be taken by calling the roll and members voted as follows –

 

Motion                                       Amendment

 

Councillor John Armour               Councillor Garret Corner

Councillor Gordon Blair                Councillor Maurice Corry

Councillor Jan Brown                   Councillor Amanda Hampsey

Councillor Audrey Forrest            Councillor Daniel Hampsey

Councillor Kieron Green              Councillor Tommy MacPherson

Councillor Graham Hardie            Councillor Julie MacKenzie

Councillor Anne Horn                  Councillor Alastair Redman

Councillor Fiona Howard              Councillor Peter Wallace

Councillor Willie Hume

Councillor Mark Irvine

Councillor Paul Donald Kennedy

Councillor Jim Lynch

Councillor Luna Martin

Councillor Ian James MacQuire

Councillor Dougie McFadzean

Councillor Ross Moreland

Councillor Gary Mulvaney

Councillor William Sinclair

 

Decision

 

The Motion was carried by 18 votes to 8 and the Council resolved accordingly.

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth dated 2 June 2026, submitted)