East Lothian hospitality representatives and community leaders have voiced strong reservations about the local authority’s consultation on a proposed five per cent visitor levy for overnight stays, arguing the exercise is premature and lacks essential detail.
Industry calls for clearer proposals
At the centre of the criticism is what business groups describe as an absence of options or explanation about how the levy would operate, who would pay it, and how the income would be spent. The council’s consultation sets out a percentage-based model, despite recent national guidance allowing councils to adopt either a percentage charge or a fixed-rate fee.
Malcolm Duck, chair of the Association of East Lothian Community Councils and a spokesperson for Scotland's Golf Coast, said the consultation offers little for residents or businesses to respond to and called for a fuller debate on the principle and mechanics of any levy.
"Looking at it purely from the basis of a resident, it is a total joke, there is nothing given to consult on."
Mr Duck questioned the reasoning behind the chosen five per cent figure and urged the council to provide clearer information on alternatives, implementation and distribution of revenue. He also warned that the hospitality sector remains under pressure and will need practical support if any new charge is to be sustainable.
Concerns over administration and impact
Among the issues raised by critics are:
- Whether a percentage charge or a flat-rate fee would be more appropriate and easier to administer;
- How income raised would be allocated to tourism services and facilities;
- The possible cumulative effect of a levy when combined with existing taxes such as VAT.
The council’s publicly stated intention is that money raised would support local tourism services and facilities. However, opponents say the consultation should provide clearer scenarios and modelling so businesses can assess likely impacts.
| Proposal element | Council position (as consulted) |
|---|---|
| Charge type | Percentage-based (5%) |
| Intended use of revenue | Support tourism services and facilities |
Local industry leaders have asked the council to reopen aspects of the consultation to include questions on whether a levy should be introduced at all and to present an analysis of how different charging models would affect accommodation providers and guests. The debate now centres on whether the council will revise its materials to address the gaps identified before moving to any decision.
