Tourist tax plans are put on hold

Councillors have voted to pause the visitor levy process in Argyll and Bute—but two bids to scrap the charge altogether failed.

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The next steps in the process were debated in a full council meeting after a report revealed that more than half of over 3000 respondents did not want a visitor levy in the area at all.

Council officials spoke of the potential benefits of a five percent levy, which it is estimated would bring in as much as £11.8 million per year by 2034/25.

However, the council's depute leader Ross Moreland moved a motion to pause, citing potential changes to legislation that could mean a flat rate was possible.

Public finance minister Ivan McKee released a letter on Monday, September 22, saying the Scottish Parliament was considering ‘extending powers to councils.