Highland tourist tax plans ‘genuinely scaring small businesses’, claims Scottish Conservative MSP Tim Eagle
Tourism levy plans are “genuinely scaring small businesses”, a Highland MSP has warned.
Tim Eagle, a Scottish Conservative list MSP for the Highlands and Islands, claimed that he had been “inundated” by messages from businesses in the region when he addressed the Scottish Parliament this week.
Speaking in Holyrood he said that business fears over its impact meant it should be paused and reviewed.
Speaking afterwards, Mr Eagle said: “It’s not too late for the Scottish Government to hit the pause button. The concern across the business community – particularly small businesses – is widespread. And many council leaders – who are charged with managing the levy – are very unhappy about it too.
“And other implications of this new tax – such as the displacement of campervans from properly managed campsites to informal locations, for instance - are only now being realised. We need time to properly review this and not find ourselves introducing yet another piece of ill-thought-out legislation.”
Tourism levies have divided opinion since they were first proposed. They have proven popular with members of the public in areas with high tourism levels, such as the North Coast 500 and on Skye, amid fears that the sheer number of visitors is putting too much of a strain on local infrastructure - particularly the likes of roads.
Councils in several parts of Scotland - such as Edinburgh, and in the Highlands - are actively considering introducing them, with those that are being eager to use the money to offset costs on infrastructure repairs that might otherwise be borne by local taxpayers. Highland Council’s own moves for one could potentially raise millions in extra revenue.
But businesses have also raised many concerns, with hoteliers and other accommodation providers arguing the extra costs could deter potential tourists. Others have argued that it might encourage those that can to use laybys and other roadside options - reducing income while placing potential additional strain on local infrastructure.
Smaller businesses are also concerned about the potential logistics surrounding collection of the levy and its potential to place additional strain on busy staff.
