Council seeks views on introducing visitor levy
Nation.Cymru staff
A public consultation has been launched on whether a visitor levy should be introduced in one of Wales’ most rural counties.
Residents, businesses and visitors in Powys are being asked for their views on the charge, although Powys County Council says it is not proposing to introduce one at this stage.
The levy was created by Welsh Government legislation and gives individual councils the power to charge visitors staying overnight in their areas.
Current rates are set nationally at 75p per person per night for stays at campsites, pitches and hostels and £1.30 for other types of visitor accommodation.
Powys council said it had agreed to take a “cautious approach”, with the exercise intended to gauge opinion before any decision is made.
Feedback will be presented to the council’s Cabinet and full Council, but a decision on whether to pursue the levy would be left to the next administration following the local government elections in May 2027.
If councillors subsequently decided to introduce the charge, a further formal consultation would be required and the earliest it could come into force in Powys would be 2028.
The council is asking people whether they support the principle of a visitor levy, what impact they believe it could have on communities and businesses and how money raised should be spent.
Potential uses include public toilets, footpaths, signage, visitor facilities, environmental protection, events, visitor information and destination management.
Some overnight stays would be exempt from the levy, including stays lasting more than 31 days, stays at a person’s sole or main residence and certain emergency or temporary accommodation.
Cllr Glyn Preston, Cabinet Member for a More Prosperous Powys, said: “Tourism is important to Powys. It supports jobs, businesses and communities, but it can also create pressures on local infrastructure and services.
“We want to hear a range of views from residents, businesses and visitors. Whether you support the idea, have concerns, or simply want to learn more, we encourage you to take part and share your thoughts.”
The survey opened on Monday, August 24 and will run until Wednesday, September 30.
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