BMC Urges amendments to the proposed Visitor Levy Bill to protect volunteer-run outdoor facilities and educational facilities  

The Bill’s flat-rate levy applies uniformly to all overnight stays provided “in the course of business or trade.” This definition could encompass facilities such as mountaineering huts, scout huts, outdoor education centres, and potentially even bothies — many of which are run on shoestring budgets by dedicated volunteers. The administrative and financial burdens of compliance with the levy threaten their continued operation.

Why this matters to BMC Members

Affordable accommodations are essential for inclusive outdoor recreation and education in Wales. They positively influence tourism in key areas and play a critical role in enabling access to the countryside for young people, low-income families, and marginalised groups, while promoting sustainable tourism. These facilities also align with the Welsh Government’s goals of encouraging low-impact practices and promoting environmental education.

Currently, the Bill does not exempt children from levy charges, which could significantly impact outdoor education programs. Many of these accommodations operate seasonally and contribute minimally to local government costs. However, they face the same administrative requirements and levy charges as commercial operators, potentially leading to closures and reduced opportunities for affordable outdoor experiences. Many of these accommodations are seasonal in nature and do not represent a significant source of funding for local government, however, the Bill risks unintentionally penalising these vital facilities. The proposed flat-rate levy, coupled with stringent reporting requirements, disproportionately impacts accommodations with low revenue margins and those that rely on volunteer to fulfil the levy requirements. Without amendments, the Bill will certainly drive closures of some of these facilities, reducing opportunities for affordable outdoor experiences and weakening community-based initiatives.

The BMC, alongside organisations like the Scouts and YHA, have submitted evidence to the Senedd Scrutiny Committee, urging amendments to safeguard these vital facilities.

How BMC Members Can Take Action

The BMC is urging its members and the wider outdoor community to make their voices heard. By contacting your Member of the Senedd (MS), you can advocate for amendments that protect volunteer-run and educational accommodations.

Key Messages for Your MS:

1. Exemptions: Call for exemptions for non-commercial, volunteer-run accommodations and those operating below a specific revenue threshold.

2. Administrative Flexibility: Advocate for extended levy reporting deadlines for volunteer-managed providers, aligned with Charity Commission timescales.

3. Proportional Levy Rates: Support proportional levy structures to reduce the financial impact on low-cost accommodations.

4. Transparent Revenue Use: Demand robust mechanisms to ensure levy funds are reinvested into infrastructure and services.

You can find your MS and their contact details here. Use your voice to protect Wales’ unique and inclusive outdoor spaces for future generations.

Together, we can ensure that the Visitor Levy Bill promotes sustainable tourism without compromising the accessibility and affordability of the Welsh countryside.

If you hear back from your Senedd Member, please share the response with us at members@thebmc.co.uk

If you are not based in Wales but have an interest in this matter, please contact the minister directly at: Correspondence.Mark.Drakeford@gov.wales

Letter to MSs from Clubs or Individuals

You can find your MS plus contact details here.

Dear [Name of Member of the Senedd],

Re: Concerns Regarding the Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill

I am writing as a [member/chair] of [Your Mountaineering Club/Organization, if appropriate], representing a community that values sustainable tourism and affordable access to the Welsh countryside. While we support the aims of the Visitor Levy Bill to promote sustainable tourism and invest in local services, we have serious concerns about its potential impact on volunteer-run and non-commercial accommodations, along with some suggested amendments to the bill.

[All the better if you can draw a link to the relevance of this matter to the constituency of the MS in question]

Key Concerns

1. Impact on Volunteer-Run Accommodations

• Facilities such as mountain huts, scout huts, and residential outdoor education centres rely on volunteers and operate on extremely tight budgets. The administrative and financial burden of the levy could threaten the survival of many.

• The requirement to submit levy returns within 30 days creates an unreasonable expectation for volunteer-managed facilities such as mountain huts and scout huts. This contrasts sharply with the 10-month timeline allowed by the Charity Commission.

2. Impact on young people and other marginalised groups

• Facilities such as outdoor education centres and affordable accommodations play a vital role in enabling young people, low-income families, and other marginalized groups to access the outdoors. These types of accommodation are low impact, not-for-profit, and deliver essential services in the form of outdoor and environmental education.

3. Flat-Rate Levy

• The flat-rate structure disproportionately affects low-cost accommodations. We urge the Welsh Government to consider a proportional levy rate to protect budget-friendly options that contribute to inclusive tourism. This would ensure fairness while maintaining affordability.

4. Transparent Use of Revenue

• In the current form of the legislation, there is a very real risk that revenue raised will not be ring-fenced for tourism-related purposes. We request robust mechanisms to ensure funds are used to address visitor pressures and improve local infrastructure.

Suggestions for Amendments

• Exempt non-commercial, volunteer-run accommodations from the levy, as well as children and providers which fall below a specified revenue threshold.

• Falling short of full exemption, extend levy return deadlines for volunteer-managed providers to align with Charity Commission timescales.

• Introduce proportional levy rates to reduce the burden on low-cost providers.

Your support in advocating for these changes would help ensure the Bill aligns with the principles of fairness, sustainability, and community benefit, as well as helping deliver the Welsh Government’s objectives of sharing costs more equitably and supporting sustainable tourism.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Role, e.g., Member of [Mountaineering Club]]