Green MSP wants levies on tourists similar to those imposed in Venice
Ariane Burgess, Scottish Green MSP for the Highlands and Islands has highlighted the need for a cruise ship levy and future daily fee on motor homes to benefit Highland communities.
Speaking at Holyrood yesterday, Ms Burgess’s intervention came during Stage 3 proceedings on the Visitor Levy Bill, which will allow councils to raise funds from overnight visitors to reinvest in local services.
During her contribution, Ms Burgess referenced the system in Venice, where day visitors pay a fee using a QR code and app.
The passing of the Visitor Levy Bill will unlock a generational change in funding for councils which could see millions of pounds ploughed back into supporting local communities that attract tourists from around the world.
The visitor levy - a significant Scottish Green achievement during their time in government - will also mark a seismic shift in how the top-down funding model for local authorities can begin to be rebalanced towards those with the greatest need.
Ms Burgess said: “A visitor levy might be just a small charge on individuals, but it will deliver a huge funding boost for Scotland’s local communities, especially in the Highlands & Islands.
“It will for the first time empower local councils to make spending decisions on key areas of need in their regions, especially for affordable homes and regeneration work to support workers and communities.
“It will also brings us in line with many countries in Europe and across the world who have been doing this for decades to ensure that demand never outstrips the needs of those who live in our villages, towns and cities.
“This is a small change that will benefit people and places for generations to come, and just one of many policies coming to fruition now thanks to Scottish Greens.”
She added: “Our call for a levy on cruise ships which, as we have seen in recent weeks, provide an incredible challenge and opportunity to those communities on their destinations list must be handled carefully to ensure appropriate legislation and a legal framework that is designed for its purpose. Trying to just somehow bolt it onto the visitor levy, as suggested by the Lib Dems, ran the risk of undermining those plans.
“It needs to be properly delivered for absolutely the maximum effect, and we as a party will continue to work constructively to make sure this other vital tool for local councils can become a reality too.”
