Meeting of the Parliament 28 May 2024
This set of amendments seeks to remove camping sites, hostels and caravans from places that are considered to be overnight accommodation in the bill. During the passage of the bill, the argument that a fixed rate would see minimal additional costs to visitors has now been superseded by the percentage rate, which is now included in the bill and which the Government supports. We have therefore seen the £1 or £2 levy becoming a charge of at least up to 10 per cent on all accommodation.
During the cost of living crisis, many people have looked to have a cheaper holiday. Indeed, during the pandemic restrictions, many Scots discovered just how wonderful our country is for holidaying. The bill could add significant costs to family holidays and for families in Scotland who are holidaying at home. For example, I looked online yesterday at a campsite near Fort William, which the Deputy First Minister might know. For a week’s family holiday, for two adults and two children in a large tent pitch, it would cost £224 next week. The tourist levy could add £22 to that cost.
Significant concerns have also been expressed about many hostels and how they are administered. I know that the minister is alive to those issues. For Scots seeking a more affordable holiday, the choice is often to book a campsite, hostel or caravan accommodation. Adding a potential 10 per cent to what is fundamentally a self-catering holiday will directly hit the pockets of Scots who are trying to enjoy an affordable staycation in their own country.
In recent years, the Scottish Government has also promoted the diversification of agribusinesses. For many, that has seen the development of the provision of camping and caravan pitches, even though that is not their main business interest or source of income. That is also important for many of those businesses that provide additional accommodation for agricultural shows or local concerts and art festivals, which might just be one-off events.
There are significant cross-party concerns regarding the on-going issue of wild camping and the damage that it often causes to our natural environments, as well as the limited but often unacceptable cases of antisocial behaviour that we have seen. Above all, for people on a fixed budget, trying to save money and not having to pay an accommodation tax is important and, in booking a campsite or caravan park, that is often what people intend to be able to achieve.
The additional costs that a visitor levy will bring could result in significant behavioural changes and increase the amount of wild camping and overnight parking of caravans in lay-bys and passing places. I do not think that any of us has necessarily understood—the Government certainly has not—the unintended consequences that the bill might have. I therefore believe that the amendments are proportionate, and I hope that members across the Parliament will support them.
I move amendment 22.