Views sought on draft plan for visitor levy

Published 04 August 2025

Residents, visitors and business owners are being asked to give their views on a draft visitor levy scheme which will later be voted on by councillors.

A 12-week consultation has now launched with nine questions focused on the possible introduction of such a programme in West Dunbartonshire.

If introduced, money raised would be used specifically for the benefit of the visitor economy under a number of categories including infrastructure, culture and heritage, environmental protection, tourism marketing and business and skills support.

Participants are asked to rank the categories in order of preference and also put forward other suggestions for areas of potential investment.

If approved, part of the budget could be earmarked for projects which the community would vote on.

It is proposed that a 5% fee is added to all overnight stays from July 1st 2027 but is dependent on councillors supporting the move.

The consultation, available to access via the Council’s website or in person at the Council offices at 6 Church Street, Dumbarton will run until Tuesday 21st October at 5pm.

No decision has yet been made on whether West Dunbartonshire Council will introduce a visitor levy. The information gathered through this consultation will be collated and considered by the Council at a future committee meeting.

Convener of Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development, Councillor David McBride, said: “I want to thank the hundreds of people who responded to the initial consultation earlier this year and would encourage them and others to give their views this time around to this more detailed plan.

“This part of the consultation focuses on the level of fee which would be paid and how the visitor levy would be operated and ultimately distributed.

“It is vital to note that no decision has yet been made which is why it is so important that feedback is given so councillors can make an informed decision.”

Vice Convener of Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development, Councillor Lawrence O’Neill, added: “Regardless of whether you are in favour or not of a visitor levy, this is a prime opportunity to give your views as part of this consultation process.

“It is a straightforward survey which can be completed in a matter of minutes and so I would urge everyone to have their say.”

The survey can be accessed at https://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/council/public-consultations/visitor-levy-stage-2/