The bill, currently at Stage 1 in the Scottish Parliament, proposes giving power to Local Authorities to decide whether to charge a levy on visitor accommodation in their area. Currently moorings and berthing for boats is included under the definition of ‘accommodation’.
https://www.parliament.scot/bills-and-laws/bills/visitor-levy-scotland-bill/stage-1
There are two ways you can engage with the consultation and have your voice heard directly.
1. “Join the Discussion” Closing 1st September – which gives you the ability to post comments on key aspects of the Bill, including the types of overnight accommodation that are included:
Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill – Join the discussion (parliament.scot)
Types of overnight accommodation included in the Bill (parliament.scot)
2. “Public Consultation” Closing 15th September – which gives you the ability to respond to the formal consultation questions.
Visitor Levy Bill – call for views – About you – Scottish Parliament – Citizen Space
RYA Scotland will be making a submission to the Public Consultation, which we hope to share in full prior to the closing date and will take into account the all aspects that we believe may affect the boating community in Scotland.
RYA Scotland engages positively to promote and protect recreational boating within Scotland’s legal framework while working alongside Marine Scotland, the Scottish Government, Local Authorities and other industry and interested parties.
The RYA provides a range of practical advice and experience across the boating world. Further topics on a UK level are available in the Representation section of the RYA website.
If you have any queries about these items or have information you think we should know about please email admin@ryascotland.org.uk
