Last week, ScoutsCymru reported on our concerns about how the proposed new Visitor Accommodation Levy would affect young people and volunteers in Wales.
Now, ScoutsCymru Chief Volunteer Rhian Moore, CEO Kerrie Gemmill and Chair of the Board of Trustees Kirsty Palmer have written to Mark Drakeford MS, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language, who has introduced the Bill, calling for non-profit, volunteer-run youth facilities to be exempt.
You can read the letter in full below.
Dear Mr Drakeford,
We are writing to you jointly as the leadership of ScoutsCymru regarding the proposed Visitor Accommodation Levy and its unintended yet significant impact on youth development opportunities across Wales.
As representatives of 14,000 young people aged 4 to 25 years, and 4,500 adult volunteers, we must express our deep concern about how this legislation, while well-intentioned, could fundamentally undermine crucial early experiences that shape young Welsh lives.
Whilst we appreciate that the impact of tourism can be significant and we recognise that local authorities need support to invest to maintain the infrastructure, we are concerned that the proposed levy fails to distinguish between commercial tourism operators and non-profit, volunteer-run youth facilities. For thousands of Welsh young people, their first night away from home isn’t at a holiday resort – it’s at their local Scout hall, often just streets away from their homes. These aren’t luxury stays; they are vital stepping stones toward independence, typically costing just £3-£4 per night.
The proposed levy would increase these costs by up to 25%, making these foundational experiences increasingly unattainable for families already struggling with cost-of-living pressures. Scout volunteers work hard to ensure activities are accessible to all. We know that many groups already subsidise members so that no one has to miss out on an event for finance reasons – asking them to cover an extra cost could mean leaders decide it is simpler for trips not to go ahead.
We are also concerned the administrative burden of quarterly returns and potential fines would place unnecessary strain on our dedicated volunteer network, who already give so generously of their time to support young people from all backgrounds learn important life skills.
We ask that you consider these key points:
We therefore request that the Welsh Government consider an exemption for volunteer-run youth facilities. This would protect vital developmental opportunities for young people in their own communities, while still meeting the government’s visitor management objectives.
We would welcome the opportunity to discuss this matter with you further and to work together to find a solution that supports the principles of the Bill but does not indirectly jeopardise the future of high quality, youth development opportunities in Wales.
Yours sincerely,
Kerrie Gemmill CEO, ScoutsCymru
Kirsty Palmer Chair of the Board of Trustees, ScoutsCymru
Rhian Moore Chief Volunteer, Wales
