Draft Visitor Levy Scheme: Consultation

The Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act 2024 allows councils to introduce a small charge on overnight stays in paid accommodation. Any money raised would be used to support local services and facilities that visitors use and contribute to local areas.

Earlier this year, Falkirk Council carried out initial engagement on this proposal (see Early Engagement Survey Report). We are now asking for your views on a Draft Visitor Levy Scheme for the Falkirk area. The aims are to grow Falkirk’s visitor economy, make the area more attractive and enjoyable for visitors, support a sustainable year round tourism sector, create vibrant places, and raise Falkirk’s profile as a destination.

Your feedback will help inform a decision on whether a visitor levy should be introduced, which is expected to be considered by Full Council in early 2027. We want to hear from residents, visitors, accommodation providers, businesses, community groups and anyone with an interest in the area. We're also looking for views on how the scheme should work if it goes ahead.

Have your say: The consultation is open from 2 September 2026 to 25 November 2026. Towards the end of the survey, we will ask whether you support or oppose introducing a visitor levy in Falkirk. Before that, we want to gather as much information as possible about your views and perspectives. This helps Falkirk Council understand the wider context behind people’s opinions and ensures that any future decisions are informed by a full picture of what matters to residents, businesses, visitors, and organisations.

The survey covers:

• About you.
• Which types of accommodation should be included.
• The areas a visitor levy should apply to.
• How long a scheme should run.
• Visitor levy scheme monitoring and review.
• When a visitor levy should apply.
• A visitor levy rate.
• How funds should be used.
• Exemptions.
• How a visitor levy would be collected.
• Whether a visitor levy should be introduced.
• Any final comments.

You can answer as many or as few questions as you like. There will also be drop-in information sessions and discussions with stakeholders, including accommodation providers, throughout the consultation period.

Your feedback will inform Council decision-making: Your responses will help Falkirk Council understand the potential impacts, practical issues, and local priorities before it decides whether to introduce a Visitor Levy Scheme. We will publish a consultation analysis and an impact assessment report (prepared by independent consultants EKOS Ltd), and the Full Council will consider these in January 2027 when deciding whether or not to introduce a scheme. If a scheme is approved, the Council will also consider whether any changes should be made to the draft proposals based on what people have told us.

Contact us: If you would like a hard copy of the survey, need the survey in an alternative format, or have any questions about the consultation, please email VisitorLevy@falkirk.gov.uk

We will be happy to provide support to help you take part.