Visitor Levy Pre Engagement Survey

When responding to this consultation, which category best describes you? Please choose one option

* required

Select option

If a visitor levy is introduced, it would mean visitors pay a small proportion of their accommodation cost to the levy. The money collected would be used to help develop, support, or maintain services and places that visitors use — like public toilets, paths, parks, and local attractions. Because visitors often use the same services as local people, the money raised could help make things better for both residents and visitors.

In principle, do you support the idea of a visitor levy in Aberdeenshire?

* required

Select option

What do you think would be the most useful way to spend the money raised from the visitor levy if this were introduced? (select up to three from the list below)

Please note - this must be something that is used by or substantially for visitors, but may also be used by residents.

* required

Public facilities (e.g. toilets)

Public realm improvements (e.g. landscaping, signage, cleaner streets)

Place/ Destination marketing

Visitor accommodation

Seasonal staff accommodation

Events programming

Public transport

Other (please specify)

Do you have any other suggestions for where a visitor levy could be spent to give best value for visitors and residents alike?

Local authorities have the power to set an individual percentage rate for the levy. Early research suggests that a 1% charge could raise in the region of £1.7m a year in Aberdeenshire. For comparison Edinburgh Argyll & Bute and Highland Councils are proposing to charge a levy of 5%.

If a visitor levy were to be introduced in Aberdeenshire, what do you think is a suitable rate?

* required

Select option

If you would like to, please explain why you chose the option above

The legislation allows local authorities to set a maximum number of nights to apply the levy for each booking. For example, in Edinburgh, the levy will apply for a maximum of five nights, while in Glasgow the council has proposed not to have a cap. Do you think there should there be a cap on the number of nights visitors have to pay the levy?

* required

Select option

The legislation allows local authorities to decide which part of the area the levy will apply to. Do you think the levy should apply to all of Aberdeenshire, or only in certain areas?

* required

Select option

The legislation includes some groups who are legally exempt from paying the visitor levy, including those who use overnight accommodation as their only or main residence (for reasons such as; homelessness, poor housing conditions, domestic abuse) It also includes people who are in receipt of the following:

• Disability living allowance

• Adult Disability Payment

• Attendance allowance

• Pension age disability benefit

• Personal independence payment

Do you think there are any other groups of people who should be exempt from paying the levy (in addition to those set out in the legislation?)

* required

Select option

10.

If introduced, Local authorities determine which months the levy will be charged. A visitor levy can be applied year-round, or only during a part of the year (e.g. March to October). Do you think the levy should apply for the whole year, or only for part of the year?

* required

Select option

11.

A National Digital Portal is being developed to support accommodation providers collect and remit the funds collected to the council, as well as allowing eligible visitors to claim reimbursement.

Councils can choose to either remove the charge for exempt visitors when they pay, or give them a refund after their stay. For example, Edinburgh, Argyll & Bute, and Highland Councils are planning to offer refunds later to make things easier for accommodation providers. Do you think exempt visitors should:

* required

Select option

12.

If you have any other comments about what we need to consider when proposing a scheme for the visitor levy, please tell us here

13.

To help make sure we hear from a wide range of people and understand everyone’s views better, please consider the following questions. Are you answering as an individual or on behalf of a business or group?

* required

Select option