Locals should be exempt from paying Highland Council’s visitor levy or ‘tourist tax’ says MSP Douglas Ross

Highland Council’s visitor levy should exempt local residents from paying the tourist tax according to MSP Douglas Ross who has accused the SNP of failing to address concerns.

The local authority has been met with stiff opposition to the introduction of the levy from a very broad range of hospitality businesses across the region who have dubbed it a tax on a tax.

Critics have said that the way it is set-up in law effectively means that it is a tax on a tax and will push many small accommodation operators way over the VAT threshold, which means they may close their doors.

Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross MP Jamie Stone has made a similar argument and called on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to make it VAT exempt.

Now Highland Conservative MSP Mr Ross wants to see local also excused from having to pay the levy by staying in holiday accommodation in their own region.

He made the call during portfolio questions in the Scottish Parliament where he highlighted concerns from Highland businesses about the new charge.

Mr Ross quoted the Highlands Hotel Association which said that it would be “exceptionally frightening” for a tourist tax to be introduced in the region/

He urged SNP ministers to ensure local residents would be exempt from any charges when staying in the area or going to hospital appointments.

Many people travelling from the far north have to stay overnight when attending appointments at Raigmore Hospital.

He said: “Businesses particularly those who rely on tourism in the Highlands are terrified at the prospect of a visitor levy being introduced.

“SNP ministers have already imposed major burdens on them and failed to address their concerns.

“It would be a hammer blow for the area if this new levy came into force which is why I wanted to make ministers aware of the huge concerns from local hoteliers.

“If these misguided plans are introduced by Highland Council, then there must be an exemption for local residents. There is a misconception that visitor levies will only impact tourists, but that won’t be the case.

“Local people looking to stay in the Highlands ahead of hospital appointments simply should not have to pay the levy.

“SNP ministers in the central belt just don’t get it when it comes to realising how this would badly damage our communities and our local economy, which is why I hoped a Highlands based MSP would respond to the question.

“I hope that Highland Council listens to local businesses and rules out bringing in any levy, which I will continue to oppose.”

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.