Perth and Kinross Council's public consultation on its proposed £4-a-night visitor levy closes on Wednesday, November 11, and the council's deputy leader is urging residents, businesses and organisations to have their say.
Cllr Ian Massie has welcomed the UK Government's decision to allow English mayoral authorities to introduce a visitor levy, saying it "marks an important moment in the debate about how we support some of the country's most popular visitor destinations".
England follows Scotland's lead
The UK Government described allowing English local authorities to implement the levy as a "first step" towards its commitment to shifting power out of Westminster. The Minister for Local Government, Devolution and Regional Growth Jim McMahon and Financial Secretary to the Treasury James Murray MP have presented the UK Government's response to the consultation on the design of a new power for strategic authorities to create visitor levies on overnight stays in England.
In their ministerial foreword, they said: "Devolution must be about more than transferring funding. It must also create stronger accountability for how places grow and prosper. The Overnight Visitor Levy gives local leaders a new tool to invest in their areas, while ensuring that those decisions are taken transparently and are accountable to local residents, businesses and voters."
Cllr Massie sees it as England following Scotland's lead. In June 2026, Perth and Kinross councillors narrowly approved a draft visitor levy scheme to charge visitors £4 a night.
Potential use of funds
The council has suggested money generated could be used to improve roads and car parks; town centres and public spaces; visitor management and countryside ranger support in busy areas; public transport; public toilets; visitor attractions and accommodation, as well as supporting volunteer groups who work to keep local towns and villages looking beautiful.
According to Perth and Kinross Council, the average two million overnight stays in the area each year generate over £350 million to the Perth and Kinross economy and support around 7000 local jobs.
Cllr Massie said: "England's decision to introduce visitor levy powers demonstrates that this is no longer a uniquely Scottish policy. There is growing recognition across the UK that local areas should have the ability to reinvest visitor income into tourism infrastructure, visitor facilities and projects that support local economic growth.
"For Perth and Kinross, a visitor levy could provide an opportunity to invest in the infrastructure and facilities that support our visitor economy, helping us maintain our position as one of Scotland's premier destinations while ensuring the benefits of tourism are felt across our communities.
"That's why I'm asking residents, businesses and community organisations to take part in Perth and Kinross Council's Visitor Levy consultation before it closes on November 11. This is an opportunity to help shape how any future levy could operate and how any funds raised could be invested locally."
