Agenda item

To submit a report by the Head of Regulation and Economic Development, as presented to the Executive on 24 February 2026.

The Director of Function (Council Business)/Monitoring Officer advised that if any Member has a personal interest in this item, they need to declare such interest as the matter before the Council is to decide whether the Authority decides to undertake a public consultation on the introduction of a visitor levy on Anglesey. If the Council decides to undertake a public consultation process and the feedback from such a consultation is reported back to the Council for final decision, the personal interest will evolve to a prejudicial interest. She further said that if any Member considers that they have a personal interest they should contact the Legal Department to make a request to the Standards Committee for dispensation which could result in enabling Members to be able to take part in discussions. 

The Director of Function (Council Business)/Monitoring Officer advised that Members should not pre-empt their comments on the visitor levy at this Committee as the item before the Council is only to consider whether a public consultation process is to be undertaken by this Authority. 

The report of the Head of Regulation and Economic Development was presented for the Council’s consideration.

The Portfolio Member for Leisure, Tourism, Maritime and Property, Councillor Alun Roberts said that he would not be presenting the item as Portfolio as he will be declaring a personal interest as a close member of his family is employed in the tourism sector and he would not take part in the discussion on the item and would be abstaining from voting.  He said that the Leader will be presenting the item to the Council.

Councillors Celfyn Furlong, Douglas Fowlie and Derek Owen declared a personal interest in this item. Mr Arwel Owen, Head of Adults’ Services declared a personal interest in this item.

The Leader said the report presented before the Council is decide whether to conduct a public consultation process as regards to the introduction of a visitor levy for people staying in visitor accommodation in Wales.   He noted that the aim of such consultation is to invite views on the potential levy from residents, local businesses, visitors and partner organisations.  It will aim to gain a greater understanding of local opinion, potential impacts and any concerns before any future decision is considered.  He said that he has several discussions within the tourism sector and other businesses on the effect of a visitor levy.  The Leader further said that neighbouring Gwynedd County Council and Conwy County Borough Council intends to undertake a consultation process and Anglesey considers it sensible to collaborate with both Councils on the approach and timetable, though each Council would run its own consultation independently.

Councillor Aled Morris Jones ascertained as to the responses from the tourism industry to Welsh Government, and whether the consultation process was necessary and the costs associated. He noted that if the levy is introduced it will be a burden on businesses to administer.  The Portfolio Member for Finance, Council Business and Customer Experience said that public consultation process are mainly an ‘on-line’ process with limited costs associated.

Members of the ruling group considered that the residents and businesses on the Island have a right to express their opinion on the visitor levy.

Councillor Kenneth P Hughes said that he did not object to the consultation process and noted that it is important to listen to the opinion of the residents of Anglesey.

Councillor Glyn Haynes said that he supported the consultation process on the visitor levy but information as to how the money collected is to be used should be part of the consultation.   

Councillor Aled Morris Jones questioned whether the inclusion of the intended use of the levy would prejudice the consultation process.   The Director of Function (Council Business)/Monitoring Officer responded that if the Council decides to undertake a consultation process and thereafter concludes that a visitor levy be introduced, statutory measures will limit the use of the money collected from the levy. The consultation process will note how the Council may spend the levy collected but would not refer to specific projects

The Chief Executive referred to Appendix A of the report which refers to the ‘Visitor Accommodation Consultation Expectations’ which refers as to how the levy may be invested and it is a requirement, as part of the consultation, to allow people to make an informed decision and to contribute effectively from a business perspective, residents and local communities. 

Following the vote of 27 in favour, 3 against and 1 abstaining.

It was RESOLVED that a public consultation process be undertaken regarding the potential introduction of a visitor levy on Anglesey (in line with Council and Welsh Government guidelines).