£1.30-a-night tourist tax likely to have been signed off by Senedd

THE Senedd debated dozens of final changes to plans for a £1.30-a-night tourism levy, with the tax set to get the go-ahead in a key vote yesterday, after the Mail had gone to press.

- By CHRIS HAINES

Senedd members voted on amendments to the tourism tax bill, which would see £1.30 per person, plus VAT, charged on stays in hotels, B&Bs and self-catering accommodation.

A lower rate of 80p would apply to hostels and campsites, with the 22 councils in Wales given powers to decide whether or not to introduce a local levy from 2027 at the earliest.

During a two-hour "stage-three" debate, Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford told the Senedd it was likely the Bill would operate in some parts of Wales but not others.

If passed as expected at the fourth and final stage yesterday, the Bill would also establish a register of visitor accommodation providers with separate plans for licensing to follow.

Sam Rowlands, the Conservatives' shadow finance secretary, reiterated his party's concerns about the proposals, with the tourism sector "united in its opposition to the bill".