Scouts urge mayor to re-think tourism tax proposal

4 hours ago

Richard EdwardsNorth Yorkshire political reporter

James Wyatt (centre) from 1st Copmanthorpe Scouts said he and his colleagues are concerned about the possible impact of a visitor levy on scouting

BBC/RICHARD EDWARDS This image show James Wyatt - 'skipper' at Copmanthorpe Explorer Scouts - and two of his colleagues, who all say they are concerned about the possible impact of a visitor levy on scouting. James is in the centre of the picture. he is wearing a cream-coloured Scout uniform shirt, a red-and-white neckerchief and glasses. Scouts can be seen in the background, clearing away camping equipment. — James Wyatt (centre) from 1st Copmanthorpe Scouts said he and his colleagues are concerned about the possible impact of a visitor levy on scouting

Scout leaders in North Yorkshire have urged the region's mayor to re-think any plans to introduce a tourist tax, saying it could put young people off.

Labour's David Skaith has said a possible levy of £2 per person per night would generate up to £52m a year locally and could be a "game changer".

However, representatives of the county's scouting movement - which has more than 6,500 members - say they fear "any cost, or additional bureaucracy" may have a negative impact, if campsites and activity centres are not exempt from the surcharge.

Skaith has said no final decisions have been made and "everything is still on the table," while the government has suggested the concerns are "pure speculation".

Scout leaders in the county spoke out after concerns about the possible impact of the tax were first raised by Dwayne Fields, the UK's Chief Scout.

Nationally, the movement is calling for for charity-run hostels, campsites, activity centres and meeting places to be exempt from the levy, and for an exemption for young people aged under 18 "to protect youth development opportunities."

"This proposed new legislation risks putting these experiences out of reach of the young people who need them most. The levy would even extend to Scout groups holding sleepovers at their own HQs," Fields said.

Locally, James Wyatt, who is the lead volunteer at 1st Copmanthorpe Scout Group, in York, said: "I wouldn't like to see any potential barriers to young people getting involved.

"Any cost, or additional bureaucracy, that you add to a group or volunteers - who are already very busy - I think would be most unwelcome."

Skaith, who has also come under pressure from hoteliers, said he was aware of the concerns and was "committed to working with people as we progress this exciting opportunity for our region," adding: "I am fully focused on getting it right for the region."

Emily, 16 (left) and Emily, 16 (right), both Explorer Scouts, have said they are concerned about the possible impact

BBC/RICHARD EDWARDS These pictures show two explorer scouts, both called Emily, at a weekly unit meeting in Copmanthorpe, York. Emily on the left has long brown hair and is waering a pink hoodie and a purple and white neckerchief. Emily on the right has her brown hair in a ponytail and is wearing a khaki-coloured scout uniform shirt and the same coloured neckerchief. They are both smiling and are standing in the hall used by the local scouts for their regular get-togethers. — Emily, 16 (left) and Emily, 16 (right), both Explorer Scouts, have said they are concerned about the possible impact

Speaking to the BBC, Emily, 16, who is part of the Copmanthorpe troop said scouting teaches "practical skills" that can be used throughout a person's life.

She said: "It also allows you to get together and take a break from school and from home-life.

"It's clear, to me, that the tourist tax shouldn't be put onto scouts. We're a charity and we're here to make things accessible for people who maybe don't have the opportunities with their families."

Fellow scout Emily, also 16, said the best thing about scouting was "meeting new people" and learning new skills.

She added: "I've been in scouting since Beavers - without it, I wouldn't be the person I am today.

"Scouting in general is supposed to be accessible for everyone and is all about inclusivity and equality.

"Putting an extra charge on would limit that a little bit. [The tax] is a sensible idea but scouting is a charity and should be exempt from it."

Explorer scouts Daniel (left) and Noah at their weekly meeting in Copmanthorpe, York

BBC/RICHARD EDWARDS These pictures show two explorer scouts, Daniel and Noah, at a weekly unit meeting in Copmanthorpe, York. Daniel on the left has curly brown hair and is waering a khaki-coloured scout uniform shirt and a purple and white neckerchief. Noah on the right has short red hair is wearing the same uniform as Daniel, and is also wearing glasses. They are are both smiling and are standing in the hall used by the local scouts for their regular get-togethers. — Explorer scouts Daniel (left) and Noah at their weekly meeting in Copmanthorpe, York

Daniel, also an explorer scout, said camping trips have helped him grow in confidence and become more independent.

"The tax shouldn't apply to scouting, we work hard to keep the costs down so everyone can do it. If we were away for seven, eight or nine nights the charge might mean some people wouldn't be able to do it," the 15-year-old said.

Friend and fellow scout Noah said it was "vital" for young people to be given the chance to get involved with scouting.

He said: "Scouting is a way to do more than you would otherwise, connect with other people and get into the fresh air. It is fulfilling. My message to the mayor is, 'we are scouts of York, why should we be subject to this tax?'"

A government spokesman said ministers agree that scouting plays a "vital role" in in developing young peoples' confidence.

They added: "We want them to thrive. No decisions have been made on the final design of the levy and we have asked for views on the types of accommodation that will be included, as well as possible exemptions, so that it is sensible and works for local areas."

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