A PROPOSED visitor levy will go out to consultation after councillors voted in favour of it.
The plans in Argyll and Bute have been met with growing opposition, with a petition attracting 1500 signatures and a static protest being staged at the authority’s offices last week.
Some councillors also voiced their disapproval during a debate which lasted an hour and a half in the council’s last meeting before Christmas.
However, a roll call vote among councillors saw a majority vote to go out to consultation, which will start in the New Year.
The decision was made at a specially-convened meeting on Friday, December 20.
Leader and SNP councillor Jim Lynch moved a motion that the consultation process should proceed, and was seconded by LibDem councillor Ross Moreland.
He also said that the council should acknowledge the amount of feedback received from those who took part during a pre-consultation survey.
The leader said: “It was important to acknowledge the amount of feedback received. It is a healthy time for democracy with the amount of feedback we were getting.
“This is not about a vote to accept it [the visitor levy]. There is a lot to consider, but it would be remiss of us not to explore.”
Tory councillor Daniel Hampsey moved an amendment that the council should express “strong opposition” to the introduction of any visitor levy. He was seconded by Tory councillor Garret Corner.
Hampsey said: “This is not an opposition motion and is not for political point scoring or criticism. It is about providing peace of mind.
“I believe that views have been made abundantly clear. We have heard from businesses, not to mention a petition. You do not need a weather clock to tell you the roof is coming off.
“Let’s not forget what our businesses have endured. In 2020 they were shut down as we fought a global pandemic. Many were pushed to the brink and some sadly never recovered. When lockdown was lifted, there was a brief surge in staycations, but this was short-lived.
“Some may argue that this consultation is harmless, but it is not without cost and risks further unsettling our businesses. I do not want to waste time on a proposal that is fundamentally flawed.”
Independent councillor Tommy MacPherson moved a second amendment, seconded by Labour councillor Fiona Howard.
His amendment said that the consultation period should last for 12 months, with regular reports to the council’s policy and resources committee.
He said: “It is my opinion that we are in danger of being naïve to the economic and commercial impact. Twelve weeks may not be enough for individual assessments and case studies.
“The Argyll and Bute destination strategy must be designed around our businesses and host services, not around tax receipts.”
A roll call vote then took place, with Lynch’s motion prevailing with 21 votes. Hampsey’s amendment received 12 votes, with MacPherson’s amendment polling two votes.
