ScoutsCymru notes the passing of the Visitor Levy (Wales) Bill at Stage 4 in the Senedd, and welcomes the exemption of under-18s from the legislation. This is a positive step that will help keep overnight stays affordable for children and young people taking part in activities such as camps and residentials.
While we remain concerned about the potential administrative burden the levy could place on volunteer-run organisations such as Scouts and are disappointed that further amendments to reduce this burden were not accepted, we are proud of the role we played in shaping the debate.
This Bill has been significant for ScoutsCymru and for the youth sector more broadly. Throughout the process, we have worked hard to ensure that the needs of young people were not overlooked. We are pleased that this advocacy led to a meaningful change in the Bill.
We also want to recognise the extraordinary efforts of our movement across Wales. Our volunteer leaders wrote to and met with their Members of the Senedd, sharing real-life examples of the value of affordable overnight stays, bringing the discussion to life. Their voices made a difference, and their actions demonstrated just how much this legislation meant to our young people and volunteers.
As the focus now shifts to implementation at local authority level, it is vital that the unintended consequences of the Bill are addressed. We were pleased during Stage 2, to see the helpful indication that church halls and community centres are unlikely to fall within scope. This is a reassurance for many volunteer-run organisations such as ScoutsCymru. However, an important concern remains: the disproportionate administrative burden the Bill would still place on volunteers, and the continued inclusion of premises primarily used for youth development.
Now that the Bill has passed and awaits Royal Assent, we remain concerned that volunteer-run accommodation, such as activity centres and campsites focused on youth development, still fall within scope simply because they offer overnight stays. These are not commercial businesses but are not-for-profit, volunteer-led spaces that provide young people with life-changing experiences. Yet if the levy is introduced locally, volunteers could face an additional administrative burden to register, report, and process payments.
That is why we will continue to engage constructively in the next phase. We now look forward to working with local authorities as they consult on whether or not to introduce the levy in their areas — and to ensuring the practical implications are fully understood and carefully considered.
