Latest news with #Pattle
Scotsman
26-06-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
West Lothian visitor levy scheme could potentially bring in more than £1m a year
A visitor levy scheme for West Lothian could potentially bring in more than £1m a year into council coffers. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... But while councillors welcomed the start of consultations agreed this week, the Tories branded the proposals a tourist tax which would hit local business and discourage visitors. And councillors were concerned as officers offered a cautious two year path to an actual introduction following a similar decision taken by the council in Edinburgh last month. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Councillor Sally Pattle, Lib Dem, Linithgow, asked how soon the levy could be introduced. 'How urgently are we moving on this, what is the time line given this is an easy revenue stream we can capitalise on.' A report to West Lothian's Executive outlined potential income based on the 298,000 visitors who stayed in the county in 2024 The meeting heard that there are statutory guidelines on the introduction of a levy demanding clear consultation. 'Are those conversations taking place already?' asked Councillor Pattle. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Jim Henderson, Business development manager said the conversation was in the early stages. Edinburgh last month agreed to impose a 5% levy from next summer. Glasgow, Argyll and Bute, and Aberdeen are all now in formal consultation stage. Other councils such as East Lothian, Stirling, Dumfries & Galloway, and others have been given approval for 'early engagement' work. Many cities across Europe now have visitor levies in place. A report to West Lothian's Executive outlined potential income based on the 298,000 visitors who stayed in the county in 2024. The most expensive accommodation, with an average spend of £100 per person per night would generate £1,342, 800 at a 5% levy. The lowest proposed levy of 2% would generate more than £500,000 in the most expensive accommodation. In a report to the Executive, Stewart Ness, Tourism and Town Centre Manager said: 'Whilst Visitor Levy is historically considered in areas of 'over-tourism', such as Edinburgh, it may be inappropriate to argue that this applies across West Lothian where some areas might benefit from an increase in visitors. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'There could be a risk that West Lothian is 'left behind' by neighbouring local authority areas that do use the ring-fenced funds raised through the introduction of a Visitor Levy to invest in tourism in their areas.' Stressing the need to establish consultation with local businesses Mr Ness added: 'Local authorities are encouraged to conduct early engagement before entering the consultation phase . 'Although not statutory, this engagement phase is considered by the guidance to be best practice. Learning from other local authorities' areas who have undergone the process is available and this could be used to guide the process in West Lothian. 'By engaging with the tourism businesses in this collaborative fashion, it will increase understanding for the scheme amongst those who will be responsible for collecting the levy. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'By using already established networks, such as Visit West Lothian and Business Gateway, it should increase the participation rates of businesses in the engagement.' However Conservative group leader Damian Doran-Timson criticised a move to what he called a tourist tax which could damage local business. In an amendment he said: 'Given the importance of this tax on business and the negative impact this is likely to have on the tourist economy across West Lothian it is vital that all West Lothian Councillors are involved in the decision making on this extra tax.' The amendment welcomed the decision to engage with those in the tourism industry and added: ' [We] trust the Council will ensure those who will have to administrate the scheme are fully advised of the processes involved and the implications.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad He told the meeting: 'This is a tax on people, a tax on businesses and a tax in individuals.' The amendment called for any future decision on the implementation of a levy to come back to full council because all councillors would have businesses in their areas which could be affected. The SNP group leader Janet Campbell welcomed the report but said : ' It doesn't seem to be moving forward at a pace we would have expected and, given that we are looking at more than £1m, which would almost cover the savings to be made on the community centres. It seems to be a bit of a no-brainer.' Councillor Pattle said: ' I welcome this report, but I have concerns about the lack of urgency, I hope that we are able to move forward with this easy income strategy at pace.' In a vote Councillor Doran-Timson's amendment demanding later decisions come to full council rather than the executive was defeated along with a similar amendment from the SNP.
Edinburgh Reporter
25-06-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
Tourist tax could generate £1m income in West Lothian
A visitor levy scheme for West Lothian could potentially bring in more than £1m a year into council coffers. But while councillors welcomed the start of consultations agreed this week, the Tories branded the proposals a tourist tax which would hit local business and discourage visitors. And councillors were concerned as officers offered a cautious two-year path to an actual introduction following a similar decision taken by the council in Edinburgh last month. Councillor Sally Pattle, Lib Dem, Linithgow, asked how soon the levy could be introduced. 'How urgently are we moving on this, what is the timeline given this is an easy revenue stream we can capitalise on.' The meeting heard that there are statutory guidelines on the introduction of a levy demanding clear consultation. 'Are those conversations taking place already?' asked Councillor Pattle. Jim Henderson, Business development manager said the conversation was in the early stages. Edinburgh last month agreed to impose a 5% levy from next summer. Glasgow, Argyll and Bute, and Aberdeen are all now in formal consultation stage. Other councils such as East Lothian, Stirling, Dumfries & Galloway, and others have been given approval for 'early engagement' work. Many cities across Europe now have visitor levies in place. A report to West Lothian's Executive outlined potential income based on the 298,000 visitors who stayed in the county in 2024. The most expensive accommodation, with an average spend of £100 per person per night would generate £1,342, 800 at a 5% levy. The lowest proposed levy of 2% would generate more than £500,000 in the most expensive accommodation. In a report to the Executive, Stewart Ness, Tourism and Town Centre Manager said: 'Whilst Visitor Levy is historically considered in areas of 'over-tourism', such as Edinburgh, it may be inappropriate to argue that this applies across West Lothian where some areas might benefit from an increase in visitors. 'There could be a risk that West Lothian is 'left behind' by neighbouring local authority areas that do use the ring-fenced funds raised through the introduction of a Visitor Levy to invest in tourism in their areas.' Stressing the need to establish consultation with local businesses Mr Ness added: 'Local authorities are encouraged to conduct early engagement before entering the consultation phase. 'Although not statutory, this engagement phase is considered by the guidance to be best practice. Learning from other local authorities' areas who have undergone the process is available and this could be used to guide the process in West Lothian. 'By engaging with the tourism businesses in this collaborative fashion, it will increase understanding for the scheme amongst those who will be responsible for collecting the levy. 'By using already established networks, such as Visit West Lothian and Business Gateway, it should increase the participation rates of businesses in the engagement.' However Conservative group leader Damian Doran-Timson criticised a move to what he called a tourist tax which could damage local business. In an amendment he said: 'Given the importance of this tax on business and the negative impact this is likely to have on the tourist economy across West Lothian it is vital that all West Lothian Councillors are involved in the decision making on this extra tax.' The amendment welcomed the decision to engage with those in the tourism industry and added: '[We] trust the Council will ensure those who will have to administrate the scheme are fully advised of the processes involved and the implications.' He told the meeting: 'This is a tax on people, a tax on businesses and a tax in individuals.' The amendment called for any future decision on the implementation of a levy to come back to full council because all councillors would have businesses in their areas which could be affected. The SNP group leader Janet Campbell welcomed the report but said: 'It doesn't seem to be moving forward at a pace we would have expected and, given that we are looking at more than £1m, which would almost cover the savings to be made on the community centres. It seems to be a bit of a no-brainer.' Councillor Pattle said: ' I welcome this report, but I have concerns about the lack of urgency, I hope that we are able to move forward with this easy income strategy at pace.' In a vote Councillor Doran-Timson's amendment demanding later decisions come to full council rather than the executive was defeated along with a similar amendment from the SNP. By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter Like this: Like Related
Daily Record
25-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
West Lothian 'tourist tax' could bring in £1m as council urged to push forward
But while councillors welcomed the start of consultations agreed this week, the Tories branded the proposals a tourist tax which would hit local business and discourage visitors. A visitor levy scheme for West Lothian could potentially bring in more than £1m a year into council coffers. But while councillors welcomed the start of consultations agreed this week, the Tories branded the proposals a tourist tax which would hit local business and discourage visitors. And councillors were concerned as officers offered a cautious two year path to an actual introduction following a similar decision taken by the council in Edinburgh last month. Councillor Sally Pattle, Lib Dem, Linlithgow, asked how soon the levy could be introduced. 'How urgently are we moving on this, what is the time line given this is an easy revenue stream we can capitalise on.' The meeting heard that there are statutory guidelines on the introduction of a levy demanding clear consultation. 'Are those conversations taking place already?' asked Councillor Pattle. Jim Henderson, Business development manager said the conversation was in the early stages. Edinburgh last month agreed to impose a five per cent levy from next summer. Glasgow, Argyll and Bute, and Aberdeen are all now in formal consultation stage. Other councils such as East Lothian, Stirling, Dumfries & Galloway, and others have been given approval for 'early engagement' work. Many cities across Europe now have visitor levies in place. A report to West Lothian's Executive outlined potential income based on the 298,000 visitors who stayed in the county in 2024. The most expensive accommodation, with an average spend of £100 per person per night would generate £1,342, 800 at a five per cent levy. The lowest proposed levy of two per cent would generate more than £500,000 in the most expensive accommodation. In a report to the Executive, Stewart Ness, Tourism and Town Centre Manager said: 'Whilst Visitor Levy is historically considered in areas of 'over-tourism', such as Edinburgh, it may be inappropriate to argue that this applies across West Lothian where some areas might benefit from an increase in visitors. 'There could be a risk that West Lothian is 'left behind' by neighbouring local authority areas that do use the ring-fenced funds raised through the introduction of a Visitor Levy to invest in tourism in their areas.' Stressing the need to establish consultation with local businesses Mr Ness added: 'Local authorities are encouraged to conduct early engagement before entering the consultation phase. 'Although not statutory, this engagement phase is considered by the guidance to be best practice. Learning from other local authorities' areas who have undergone the process is available and this could be used to guide the process in West Lothian. 'By engaging with the tourism businesses in this collaborative fashion, it will increase understanding for the scheme amongst those who will be responsible for collecting the levy. 'By using already established networks, such as Visit West Lothian and Business Gateway, it should increase the participation rates of businesses in the engagement.' However Conservative group leader Damian Doran-Timson criticised a move to what he called a tourist tax which could damage local business. In an amendment he said: 'Given the importance of this tax on business and the negative impact this is likely to have on the tourist economy across West Lothian it is vital that all West Lothian Councillors are involved in the decision making on this extra tax.' The amendment welcomed the decision to engage with those in the tourism industry and added: ' [We] trust the Council will ensure those who will have to administrate the scheme are fully advised of the processes involved and the implications.' He told the meeting: 'This is a tax on people, a tax on businesses and a tax in individuals.' The amendment called for any future decision on the implementation of a levy to come back to full council because all councillors would have businesses in their areas which could be affected. The SNP group leader Janet Campbell welcomed the report but said : ' It doesn't seem to be moving forward at a pace we would have expected and, given that we are looking at more than £1m, which would almost cover the savings to be made on the community centres. It seems to be a bit of a no-brainer.' Councillor Pattle said: ' I welcome this report, but I have concerns about the lack of urgency, I hope that we are able to move forward with this easy income strategy at pace.' In a vote Councillor Doran-Timson's amendment demanding later decisions come to full council rather than the executive was defeated along with a similar amendment from the SNP.
Edinburgh Live
25-06-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Live
West Lothian 'tourist tax' could bring in £1m as council urged to push forward
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A visitor levy scheme for West Lothian could potentially bring in more than £1m a year into council coffers. But while councillors welcomed the start of consultations agreed this week, the Tories branded the proposals a tourist tax which would hit local business and discourage visitors. And councillors were concerned as officers offered a cautious two year path to an actual introduction following a similar decision taken by the council in Edinburgh last month. Councillor Sally Pattle, Lib Dem, Linithgow, asked how soon the levy could be introduced. 'How urgently are we moving on this, what is the time line given this is an easy revenue stream we can capitalise on.' The meeting heard that there are statutory guidelines on the introduction of a levy demanding clear consultation. 'Are those conversations taking place already?' asked Councillor Pattle. Jim Henderson, Business development manager said the conversation was in the early stages. Edinburgh last month agreed to impose a 5% levy from next summer. Glasgow, Argyll and Bute, and Aberdeen are all now in formal consultation stage. Other councils such as East Lothian, Stirling, Dumfries & Galloway, and others have been given approval for 'early engagement' work. Many cities across Europe now have visitor levies in place. A report to West Lothian's Executive outlined potential income based on the 298,000 visitors who stayed in the county in 2024. The most expensive accommodation, with an average spend of £100 per person per night would generate £1,342, 800 at a 5% levy. The lowest proposed levy of 2% would generate more than £500,000 in the most expensive accommodation. In a report to the Executive, Stewart Ness, Tourism and Town Centre Manager said: 'Whilst Visitor Levy is historically considered in areas of 'over-tourism', such as Edinburgh, it may be inappropriate to argue that this applies across West Lothian where some areas might benefit from an increase in visitors. 'There could be a risk that West Lothian is 'left behind' by neighbouring local authority areas that do use the ring-fenced funds raised through the introduction of a Visitor Levy to invest in tourism in their areas." Stressing the need to establish consultation with local businesses Mr Ness added: 'Local authorities are encouraged to conduct early engagement before entering the consultation phase . 'Although not statutory, this engagement phase is considered by the guidance to be best practice. Learning from other local authorities' areas who have undergone the process is available and this could be used to guide the process in West Lothian. 'By engaging with the tourism businesses in this collaborative fashion, it will increase understanding for the scheme amongst those who will be responsible for collecting the levy. 'By using already established networks, such as Visit West Lothian and Business Gateway, it should increase the participation rates of businesses in the engagement.' However Conservative group leader Damian Doran-Timson criticised a move to what he called a tourist tax which could damage local business. In an amendment he said: 'Given the importance of this tax on business and the negative impact this is likely to have on the tourist economy across West Lothian it is vital that all West Lothian Councillors are involved in the decision making on this extra tax.' The amendment welcomed the decision to engage with those in the tourism industry and added: ' [We] trust the Council will ensure those who will have to administrate the scheme are fully advised of the processes involved and the implications.' He told the meeting: 'This is a tax on people, a tax on businesses and a tax on individuals.' The amendment called for any future decision on the implementation of a levy to come back to full council because all councillors would have businesses in their areas which could be affected. The SNP group leader Janet Campbell welcomed the report but said : ' It doesn't seem to be moving forward at a pace we would have expected and, given that we are looking at more than £1m, which would almost cover the savings to be made on the community centres. It seems to be a bit of a no-brainer.' Councillor Pattle said: ' I welcome this report, but I have concerns about the lack of urgency, I hope that we are able to move forward with this easy income strategy at pace.' In a vote Councillor Doran-Timson's amendment demanding later decisions come to full council rather than the executive was defeated along with a similar amendment from the SNP.
Daily Record
02-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
Ten year West Lothian plan raises concern as council given just weeks to agree
Councillors may have just over a month before they are asked to agree to a 1,000-plus pages draft of evidence to submit to the Scottish Government for a new Local Development Plan. Concern has been raised over the amount of time West Lothian councillors have been given to consider a ten-year planning blueprint for the area. Councillors may have just over a month before they are asked to agree to a 1,000-plus pages draft of evidence to submit to the Scottish Government for a new Local Development Plan. The plan is a guide to what happens in the county between 2028 and 2038, and covers housing development, infrastructure, transport, and communities. But the initial hefty document brought more questions and criticism than answers this week. Linlithgow' Lib Dem councillor Sally Pattle told a meeting of the Economy Community Empowerment and Wealth Building PDSP that she had 'serious concerns' that councillors would have enough time ' to get this right.' The document - 1059 pages long - is the combined two years of evidence gathered which has to be presented to the Division of Planning and Environmental Appeals DPEA to be ' gate checked' as the foundation of the next Local Development Plan (LDP). This broad brush approach to evidence gathering threw up anomalies and outdated information which the SNP's Andrew Miller highlighted, including one suggestion that three buses served Livingston Village when in fact none do. Only half way through the meeting did councillors find out that council officers had based their ward evidence on community council boundaries, which threw up anomalies such as bus services. Councillors also picked over the lack of details in individual sections of the report demanding more detail be included before a final draft goes to a meeting of the full council and then on to the DPEA. Councillor Susan Manion stressed on several occasions that this was the first draft of the document and was open to change and improvement. All councillors moved to praise officers for the amount of work that has gone into the first draft. Councillor Pattle said: 'I am now seriously concerned as I have sat here for the past ninety minutes, it's been revealed that we are supposed to go to full council to agree this and that its five weeks time. 'I was under the impression that when it went to full council it would be after recess in September, giving us months to prepare for this.' Addressing the ranks of planning officers seated in the Livingston chamber, councillor Pattle continued: 'I appreciate your time today and I'm sorry that we have come across as hyper local but that's our job. 'We are here to scrutinise on behalf of our wards to make sure this incredibly important document is right when it goes to the gate check. 'I am now extremely concerned that we are not going to be given adequate opportunities to do that.' And she warned: 'Developers are going to be watching us like hawks. they are going to be using this as the basis for development for the next ten years. We have to get this right. I would like some reassurance that we are going to be given enough time to do that.' Fellow Linlithgow Councillor Pauline Orr, SNP, said: ' It's a huge piece of work and we are the face of our communities so we absolutely have to get it right.' She praised the 'amazing' work of the officers in producing the 1059 pages of evidence. Director of Planning Craig McCorriston moved to reassure the meeting that he was happy to meet councillors and take additional information from them to correct inaccuracies. He said that the draft evidence had to be ready to present to the DPEA by May 2028. The process is defined by government legislation but he conceded that the time frame for the council to prepare the draft was 'tight and we do have to work at speed.' He added: 'We have opened up to scrutiny today in a way which we hope is helpful to members and will engage further in the coming week to go through matters of concern or errors. Then we will ask the Provost to progress to a special meeting of the full council.' He stressed: 'If we get this wrong it is going to independent scrutiny and the DPEA Reporter will send it back to us if we have not gathered enough evidence. I'm pretty confident that we are just about there but am happy to take that extra few days to go through things with members.' Councillor Willie Boyle said: ' I'm looking forward to further opportunities to discuss it when it comes to actually putting the plan together. Power to your elbow I know we are up against a time schedule here and I fully accept that. We are where we are with that. We need to get it done.' Depute SNP group leader Pauline Stafford said: 'I'd like to acknowledge the work that's gone into this report and I hope members of the public will take time to read through it as well.' Councillor Stafford added: ' I sit on the Development Management [Committee] and the reason I do is because I think it has such a vital role to play in all we do in council. "This is what builds strong thriving communities. Planning is often, for elected members, misunderstood and for the public is often mistrusted, and as much transparency we can provide and show communities we have actually listened is vital.'
