Consultation on East Lothian visitor levy scheme launched after unanimous council backing

The draft scheme, which was unanimously backed by councillors on Tuesday, could generate around £1.2 million a year to maintain and improve local tourist facilities.

The draft East Lothian levy would see a five per cent charge on top of accommodation costs – but would not apply to charges for meals, drinks, parking or other services.

The statutory consultation seeks to gather the views of accommodation providers, businesses, community representatives and others with an interest in East Lothian’s visitor economy.

Views on the levy’s purpose and objectives, design, exemptions, governance arrangements and the use of the funds will also be sought. A full report will be presented to East Lothian councillors later in the year.

Councillor John McMillan, East Lothian Council’s Spokesperson for Environment, Economic Development and Tourism, said tourism is a significant contributor to the East Lothian economy but visitor activity can place “additional demands on infrastructure, facilities and services – particularly during busy periods.”

He continued: “We are exploring the possibility of a visitor levy for East Lothian as it has the potential to generate additional funding which would be used in accordance with the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act 2024 to support, develop or sustain facilities and services substantially for or used by visitors.”

Cllr McMillan said that visitor surveys show that there is backing from day trippers and holidaymakers when it comes to paying an “additional small charge”, but acknowledges that the levy may be seen as a burden for accommodation providers.

He said: “This consultation will help inform any changes to the draft scheme, taking account of the responses, questions and concerns raised so that when a further report is brought back to Council later this year, we can be confident the proposals fit the needs of East Lothian’s tourism industry and communities.

“ Council would then take a vote on whether to introduce the scheme. It is important to emphasise that no decisions have been taken at this stage.

“This is a consultation in which we will be engaging with all interested parties.”

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If a levy is introduced, a Visitor Levy Forum would be established, bringing together representatives from tourism businesses, communities and other relevant organisations to provide advice on the operation of the scheme and use of net proceeds.

The survey is now open on the East Lothian Consultation Hub with direct engagement work with stakeholders to follow.