The next phase will include further assessment and further economic modelling.

The council approved the Draft Visitor Levy Scheme for public consultation during June this year. 

This came after engagement with businesses, organisations and individuals during autumn last year.

A five per cent levy on accommodation charges across East Lothian was proposed in the draft scheme, which would apply throughout the year with no cap on chargeable nights, with net proceeds to support investment in visitor-related facilities and services. 

The council is considering a Visitor Levy as a possible means of producing additional investment in the infrastructure and services that support the visitor economy and support local communities. 

The report to the October council meeting presents the consultation findings and progress in forming an evidence base and is seeking agreement to consolidate and independently review an assessment of the possible impacts of a Visitor Levy in East Lothian, ahead of additional recommendations being brought to the council on whether, and in what form, a Visitor Levy should progress.

The review would consider the principal scheme options as well as the position without a levy and practical alternative approaches to funding. 

From 26 June to 18 September, a 12-week consultation took place on the Draft Visitor Levy Scheme. It was looking for views on the proposed purpose and objectives, scheme design, exemptions, usage of net proceeds, governance and implementation. 

A total of 530 responses were gathered in the online survey. An independent organisation analysed submissions and carried out 22 business interviews. 

Council staff also held discussions with accommodation providers, wider tourism sector representatives and community organisations. 

The consultation and wider engagement identified a variety of issues which would necessitate more investigation and assessment, as well as different views on the proposed scheme and its design. The findings will inform the following phase of assessment and the formation of options for the council to look into.

Should the report be approved at the meeting, another report will be presented to the council on another date, bringing together the independent review and the council’s assessment work, as well as scheme options, recommendations, alongside any additional consultation requirements.