Agenda item

To receive an application for dispensation.

Mr David Davies declared a personal interest in the meeting, as he is an occasional visitor to Anglesey and stays at accredited campsites.

Councillor Celfyn Furlong declared a prejudicial interest in the meeting as he owns a

caravan business and the purpose of the meeting was to decide the Councillor’s application for dispensation.

The Director of Function (Council Business)/Monitoring Officer reported that Councillor

Celfyn Furlong has sought a dispensation based on his prejudicial interest regarding

his business operating a 44 pitch caravan site.

It was noted that the County Council is currently consulting on a proposal about whether or not to adopt a visitor levy pursuant to the Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Act 2025.

Councillor Furlong has applied for a dispensation to participate in future meetings or discussions on the visitor levy, and to write to officers and members on the matter. He has requested permission to attend and participate in meetings during any debate or voting on the levy but does not himself wish to vote.

The Chair invited Councillor Furlong to speak in support of his application.

Councillor Furlong reported that he has expertise and significant experience working in the tourism industry and wants to raise awareness of elected members, members of the public and business owners of the implications of adopting a visitor levy. He reiterated that his intention is to represent the sector and ask questions and use his knowledge and experience in the field.

Members of the Panel were afforded an opportunity to question Councillor Furlong on various aspects of his work, including how the levy would affect his business, if it was adopted.

Councillor Furlong responded that he owns and operates a touring caravan site catering for touring caravans, motorhomes, tents and seasonal pitches. He reported that the tourism tax charge for motorhomes and caravans would be set at the higher rate, with tents taxed at the lower rate, and seasonal pitches exempt unless they are to be sub-let. He highlighted that managing the levy would increase his workload, as charges would be applied when visitors check out of the caravan site. It was noted that this arrangement could be problematic if visitors decided to leave caravan sites without paying the fees.

Councillor Furlong emphasised that managing the admin side of the visitor levy would place a burden on campsite owners, as not all campsites have adopted the latest technology. It was noted that campsite operators will need to comply with the Welsh Revenue Authority regulations and present quarterly reports to the WRA.

The Visitor Economy and Coastal Areas Manager reported that Welsh Government guidelines will need to be adhered to over the next few months with regard to the visitor levy. He explained that the County Council is currently undertaking an 8 week open consultation process providing sufficient information to allow intelligent consideration of responses, which include an assessment of the economy, equality and the environment in the consultation. An independent consultant will be appointed to present a final report to full Council following analysis of the feedback from the consultation.

After hearing the background to the application for dispensation by the Applicant,

the Panel retired to private session to determine whether or not to grant a dispensation, and if granting dispensation, to consider (i) on what ground or grounds

the dispensation is granted and (ii) whether there are any limitations/constraints to be

imposed.

It was RESOLVED to grant a dispensation to Councillor Furlong in his capacity as a County Councillor in respect of those interests referred to in the application and on the two grounds identified in the application.

The dispensation permits the Councillor to: -

•      write to officers and members about the issue;

•      speak to officers about the issue, provided a note is taken of any such discussions;

•      speak at all meetings about the issue;

•      remain in the room during any debate on the issue and while voting takes place, but

    not to participate in voting.

Limitations:

•      Voting is not permitted.

•      The dispensation shall expire at the end of the current term for elected members of

•      the County Council (on the fourth day after the next local government election).

Actions:

•      Councillor Furlong must declare a prejudicial interest when attending Council and

    all other relevant meetings.

•      The Monitoring Officer and Chair agree on the wording of a Decision Notice, and

•      The Chair writes to Councillor Furlong confirming that the Dispensation Panel has

    granted the dispensation.

•      A copy of the Decision Notice be shared with Councillor Furlong, Welsh

    Government and Democratic Services.