Meetings

NDM8954 Mark Drakeford (Cardiff West)

To propose that the Senedd, in accordance with Standing Order 26.47:

Approves the Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill

Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill - as amended at Stage 3

Supporting documents

Presiding Officer’s statement in accordance with section 111A(3) of the Government of Wales Act 2006

The item started at 16.28

In accordance with Standing Order 26.50C, voting on the motion under this item was deferred until Voting Time.

NDM8954 Mark Drakeford (Cardiff West)

To propose that the Senedd, in accordance with Standing Order 26.47:

Approves the Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill

Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill - as amended at Stage 3

The result was as follows:

The motion was agreed.

The item started at 16.27

The amendments will be disposed of in the order which the sections and schedules to which they relate were set out in the motion under Standing Order 26.36 agreed by the Senedd on 24 June 2025.

The amendments have been grouped for the purposes of debate and the groupings will be debated as follows:

1. Power to extend Act to berths and moorings

67, 104, 108

2. Review of Act

65, 66, 105

3. Partnerships and unincorporated bodies

1, 53, 19, 20, 60, 38, 39, 40, 51

4. Register of visitor accommodation providers

2, 3, 116, 68, 106, 109, 110, 111

5. Penalties

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 54, 55

6. Rates of the levy

69, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 83, 84, 85

7. Exemptions and refunds

70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 22, 119, 120, 121, 122

8. Miscellaneous

21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 58, 61, 62, 63, 32, 33, 34, 41, 43, 49, 52

9. Adding an additional amount to the levy rate

82, 86, 87, 118, 88, 113, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 107

10. Accounting for, and payment of, the levy

114, 89, 115, 90, 29, 56, 57, 59, 64

11. Use of proceeds of the levy

30, 31

12. Functions of a principal council under Part 3

35, 36, 37, 50

13. Change in persons that provide visitor accommodation

42, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48

14. Coming into force

117, 112

Supporting documents

Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill (as amended at Stage 2)

Explanatory memorandum (revised after Stage 2)

Marshalled list of amendments

Groupings of amendments

The item started at 16.37

The amendments were disposed of in the order that the sections and schedules to which they relate were set out in the motion under Standing Order 26.36 agreed by the Senedd on 24 June 2025.

A vote was taken on amendment 67:

Amendment 67 was not agreed.

Amendment 65 was agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Amendment 1 was agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Amendment 2 was agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Amendment 3 was agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Amendment 53 was agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

The Llywydd proposed that amendments 4 to 16 were disposed of en bloc. The proposal was agreed.

Amendments 4 to 16 were agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Amendment 17 was agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

A vote was taken on amendment 116:

Amendment 116 was not agreed.

Amendment 18 was agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Amendment 19 was agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Amendment 20 was agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

A vote was taken on amendment 68:

Amendment 68 was not agreed.

A vote was taken on amendment 69:

Amendment 69 was not agreed.

A vote was taken on amendment 70:

Amendment 70 was not agreed.

A vote was taken on amendment 71:

Amendment 71 was not agreed.

A vote was taken on amendment 72:

Amendment 72 was not agreed.

A vote was taken on amendment 73:

Amendment 73 was not agreed.

A vote was taken on amendment 74:

Amendment 74 was not agreed.

Amendment 75 was not moved.

A vote was taken on amendment 76:

Amendment 76 was not agreed.

A vote was taken on amendment 77:

Amendment 77 was not agreed.

A vote was taken on amendment 78:

Amendment 78 was not agreed.

A vote was taken on amendment 79:

Amendment 79 was not agreed.

A vote was taken on amendment 80:

Amendment 80 was not agreed.

Amendment 21 was agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

A vote was taken on amendment 81:

Amendment 81 was not agreed.

A vote was taken on amendment 82:

Amendment 82 was not agreed.

Amendment 83 was not moved.

A vote was taken on amendment 84:

Amendment 84 was not agreed.

A vote was taken on amendment 85:

Amendment 85 was not agreed.

A vote was taken on amendment 86:

Amendment 86 was not agreed.

Amendment 87 was not moved.

A vote was taken on amendment 118:

Amendment 118 was not agreed.

Amendment 88 was not moved.

Amendment 113 was not moved.

Amendment 22 was agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

A vote was taken on amendment 119:

Amendment 119 was not agreed.

A vote was taken on amendment 120:

Amendment 120 was not agreed.

Amendment 121 was not moved.

Amendment 122 was not moved.

Amendment 23 was agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Amendment 114 was agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

A vote was taken on amendment 89:

Amendment 89 was not agreed.

Amendment 115 was agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Amendment 24 was agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Amendment 25 was agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Amendment 26 was agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Amendment 27 was agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Amendment 28 was agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

A vote was taken on amendment 90:

Amendment 90 was not agreed.

Amendment 29 was agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Amendment 54 was agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Amendment 55 was agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Amendment 56 was agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Amendment 57 was agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Amendment 58 was agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Amendment 59 was agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Amendment 60 was agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Amendment 61 was agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Amendment 62 was agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Amendment 63 was agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Amendment 64 was agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Amendment 30 was agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Amendment 31 was agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Amendment 91 was not moved.

Amendment 92 was not moved.

Amendment 93 was not moved.

Amendment 94 was not moved.

Amendment 95 was not moved.

Amendment 32 was agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Amendment 96 was not moved.

Amendment 33 was agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Amendment 97 was not moved.

Amendment 98 was not moved.

Amendment 99 was not moved.

Amendment 100 was not moved.

Amendment 101 was not moved.

Amendment 34 was agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

As amendment 34 was agreed, amendment 102 fell.

Amendment 103 was not moved.

Amendment 35 was agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Amendment 36 was agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Amendment 37 was agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Amendment 38 was agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Amendment 39 was agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Amendment 40 was agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Amendment 41 was agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Amendment 42 was agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Amendment 43 was agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Amendment 44 was agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Amendment 45 was agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Amendment 46 was agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Amendment 47 was agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Amendment 48 was agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Amendment 49 was agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

A vote was taken on amendment 104:

Amendment 104 was not agreed.

Amendment 66 was agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Amendment 105 was not moved.

A vote was taken on amendment 106:

Amendment 106 was not agreed.

Amendment 107 was not moved.

Amendment 50 was agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Amendment 108 was not moved.

A vote was taken on amendment 109:

Amendment 109 not agreed.

Amendment 51 was agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

A vote was taken on amendment 110:

Amendment 110 was not agreed.

Amendment 52 was agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

A vote was taken on amendment 117:

Amendment 117 was not agreed.

A vote was taken on amendment 111:

Amendment 111 was not agreed.

A vote was taken on amendment 112:

Amendment 112 was not agreed.

All sections and schedules of the Bill were deemed agreed, concluding Stage 3 proceedings.

The Committee noted the correspondence from the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language to the Finance Committee.

NDM8933 Jane Hutt (Vale of Glamorgan)

To propose that Senedd Cymru in accordance with Standing Order 26.36:

Agrees to dispose of sections and schedules to the Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill at Stage 3 in the following order:

a) Sections 1-4;

b) Schedule 1;

c) Sections 5-40;

d) Schedule 2;

e) Sections 41-65;

f) Long title.

The item started at 16.43

NDM8933 Jane Hutt (Vale of Glamorgan)

To propose that Senedd Cymru in accordance with Standing Order 26.36:

Agrees to dispose of sections and schedules to the Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill at Stage 3 in the following order:

a) Sections 1-4;

b) Schedule 1;

c) Sections 5-40;

d) Schedule 2;

e) Sections 41-65;

f) Long title.

The motion was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

4.1 The Committee completed the Stage 2 proceedings of the Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill before the scheduled lunch break.

The Committee will dispose of the amendments in the following order:

Sections 1 to 21, Schedule 1, Sections 22 to 45 and the Long title.

Mark Drakeford MS, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language

Anna Adams, Deputy Director, Tax Strategy & Intergovernmental Relations, Welsh Government

Richard Jarvis, Lawyer, Welsh Government

Andrew Rees, Lawyer, Welsh Government

Supporting documents:

Marshalled List of Amendments

Groupings of Amendments

Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill, as introduced

Explanatory Memorandum

3.1 The Chair welcomed the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language and his officials to Stage 2 proceedings of the Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill.

3.2 In accordance with Standing Order 26.21, the Committee disposed of the following amendments to the Bill:

Amendment 53 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 1 (Sam Rowlands MS)

Amendment 54 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 55 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 56 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 57 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 58 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 59 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 60 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 61 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 62 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 141 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 63 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 64 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 65 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 66 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 67 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 68 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 69 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 70 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 71 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 72 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 73 (Mark Drakeford MS)

Amendment 74 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 75 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 76 (Mark Drakeford MS)

Amendment 77 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 78 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 79 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 80 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 81 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 82 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 83 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 84 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 85 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 86 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 87 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 88 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 89 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 90 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 91 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 2 (Sam Rowlands MS)

Amendment 47 (Sam Rowlands MS)

Amendment 92 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 93 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 94 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 95 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 96 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 3 (Sam Rowlands MS)

Amendment 97 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

As amendment 97 was agreed, amendments 143, 4 and 44 fell.

Amendment 144 (Sam Rowlands MS)

Amendment 98 (Mark Drakeford MS)

Amendment 48 (Sam Rowlands MS)

Amendment 99 (Mark Drakeford MS)

As amendment 99 was agreed, amendment 49 fell.

Amendment 100 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 5 (Sam Rowlands MS)

Amendment 101 (Mark Drakeford MS)

Amendment 145 (Sam Rowlands MS) was not moved.

Amendment 146 (Sam Rowlands MS) was not moved.

Amendment 6 (Sam Rowlands MS)

Amendment 102 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 103 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

As amendment 103 was agreed, amendments 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 45 and 50 fell.

Amendment 104 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 105 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

As amendment 105 was agreed, amendment 147 fell.

Amendment 12 (Sam Rowlands MS) was not moved.

Amendment 13 (Sam Rowlands MS) was not moved.

Amendment 14 (Sam Rowlands MS) was not moved.

Amendment 106 (Mark Drakeford MS)

As amendment 106 was agreed, amendments 15, 148, 16 and 149 fell.

Amendment 159 (Luke Fletcher MS) was not moved.

Amendment 107 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

As amendment 107 was agreed, amendments 46, 51 and 17 fell.

Amendment 108 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 109 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 18 (Sam Rowlands MS)

Amendment 110 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

As amendment 110 was agreed, amendment 19 fell.

Amendment 20 (Sam Rowlands MS)

Amendment 111 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 142 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 150 (Sam Rowlands MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 151 (Sam Rowlands MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 152 (Sam Rowlands MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 153 (Sam Rowlands MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 22 (Sam Rowlands MS) was not moved.

Amendment 23 (Sam Rowlands MS) was not moved.

Amendment 112 (Mark Drakeford MS)

Amendment 113 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 24 (Sam Rowlands MS) was not moved.

Amendment 154 (Sam Rowlands MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 25 (Sam Rowlands MS) was not moved.

Amendment 155 (Sam Rowlands MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 156 (Sam Rowlands MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 114 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 157 (Sam Rowlands MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 158 (Sam Rowlands MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 27 (Sam Rowlands MS) was not moved.

Amendment 28 (Sam Rowlands MS) was not moved.

Amendment 52 (Sam Rowlands MS) was not moved.

Amendment 29 (Sam Rowlands MS) was not moved.

Amendment 30 (Sam Rowlands MS) was not moved.

Amendment 31 (Sam Rowlands MS) was not moved.

Amendment 115 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 116 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 32 (Sam Rowlands MS) was not moved.

Amendment 117 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 33 (Sam Rowlands MS) was not moved.

Amendment 118 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 119 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 120 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 121 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 122 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 123 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 124 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 125 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 126 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 127 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 34 (Sam Rowlands MS)

Amendment 35 (Sam Rowlands MS)

Amendment 36 (Sam Rowlands MS)

Amendment 128 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 129 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 130 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 131 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 132 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 133 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 134 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 135 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 37 (Sam Rowlands MS) was not moved.

Amendment 38 (Sam Rowlands MS) was not moved.

Amendment 39 (Sam Rowlands MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 137 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 40 (Sam Rowlands MS) was not moved.

Amendment 138 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 139 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 41 (Sam Rowlands MS) was not moved.

Amendment 42 (Sam Rowlands MS)

Amendment 140 (Mark Drakeford MS) was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 17.34(i).

Amendment 43 (Sam Rowlands MS)

6.1 The Committee noted the procedures for Stage 2 proceedings.

6.2 The Committee considered the options for the order of consideration of amendments to the Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill and agreed its preferred approach.

The Committee noted the correspondence from the Welsh Government.

NDM8867 Mark Drakeford (Cardiff West)

To propose that Senedd Cymru, for the purposes of any provisions resulting from the Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill, agrees to any increase in expenditure of a kind referred to in Standing Order 26.69, arising in consequence of the Bill.

The item started at 17.19 

Voting on the motion under this item was deferred until Voting Time. 

NDM8867 Mark Drakeford (Cardiff West) 

To propose that Senedd Cymru, for the purposes of any provisions resulting from the Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill, agrees to any increase in expenditure of a kind referred to in Standing Order 26.69, arising in consequence of the Bill. 

The result was as follows: 

The motion was agreed.

NDM8866 Mark Drakeford (Cardiff West)

To propose that Senedd Cymru in accordance with Standing Order 26.11:

Agrees to the general principles of the Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill.

The Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill and Explanatory Memorandum were laid before the Senedd on 25 November 2024;

The report of the Finance Committee on the Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill was laid before the Senedd on 21 March 2025.

Supporting Documents

Report of the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee

The item started at 17.19 

Voting on the motion under this item was deferred until Voting Time. 

NDM8866 Mark Drakeford (Cardiff West) 

To propose that Senedd Cymru in accordance with Standing Order 26.11: 

Agrees to the general principles of the Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill. 

The Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill and Explanatory Memorandum were laid before the Senedd on 25 November 2024; 

The report of the Finance Committee on the Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill was laid before the Senedd on 21 March 2025. 

Supporting Documents 

Report of the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee 

The result was as follows: 

The motion was agreed. 

The Committee agreed its draft report, subject to some minor changes to be agreed outside of Committee.

2.1 The Committee considered the report and agreed it with minor changes.

The Committee considered its draft report and agreed to consider a revised report at a future meeting.

5.1 The Committee considered the evidence received.

Mark Drakeford MS, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language, Welsh Government

Anna Adams, Deputy Director, Tax Strategy and Intergovernmental Relations

Nicholas Lambert, Senior Lawyer, Treasury and Procurement Team, Legal Services Department

Emma Anderson, Solicitor, Education (Schools), Culture, Media, Sport & Tourism Team, Legal Services Department

David Greenhough, Head of Visitor Levy, Tax Strategy and Intergovernmental Relations

3.1 The Committee took evidence on the Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill from Mark Drakeford MS, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language, Welsh Government; Anna Adams, Deputy Director, Tax Strategy and Intergovernmental Relations; Nicholas Lambert, Senior Lawyer, Treasury and Procurement Team, Legal Services Department; Emma Anderson, Solicitor, Education (Schools), Culture, Media, Sport & Tourism Team, Legal Services Department; and David Greenhough, Head of Visitor Levy, Tax Strategy and Intergovernmental Relations.

Rowland Rees-Evans, Chair, Wales Tourism Alliance

David Chapman, Executive Director, Wales, UK Hospitality Cymru

Roy Church, Co-Chair, Welsh Association of Visitor Attractions

Supporting documents:

FIN(6)-05-25 P1 – Wales Tourism Alliance

FIN(6)-05-25 P2 – UK Hospitality Cymru

FIN(6)-05-25 P3 – Welsh Association of Visitor Attractions

FIN(6)-05-25 P4 – Additional evidence: Welsh Association of Visitor Attractions

Senedd Research Brief

3.1 The Committee took evidence on the Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill from Rowland Rees-Evans, Chair, Wales Tourism Alliance; David Chapman, Executive Director, Wales, UK Hospitality Cymru; and Roy Church, Co-Chair, Welsh Association of Visitor Attractions.

6.1 The Committee considered the evidence received.

Zoë Hawkins, Chief Executive, MWT Cymru

Emma Thornton, Chief Executive, Visit Pembrokeshire

Jim Jones, Managing Director, North Wales Tourism

Iwan Thomas, Chief Executive, PLANED

Supporting documents:

FIN(6)-05-25 P5 – MWT Cymru

FIN(6)-05-25 P6 – Visit Pembrokeshire

FIN(6)-05-25 P7 – North Wales Tourism

FIN(6)-05-25 P8 – PLANED

Senedd Research Brief

4.1 The Committee took evidence on the Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill from Zoë Hawkins, Chief Executive, MWT Cymru; Emma Thornton, Chief Executive, Visit Pembrokeshire; Jim Jones, Managing Director, North Wales Tourism; and Iwan Thomas, Chief Executive, PLANED.

11.1 The Committee considered the evidence received.

William McNamara, CEO, Bluestone National Park Resort

Katherine Squires, Director of Policy and Public Affairs, British Holiday and Home Park Association

Emma McQuillan, Head of Governance, Caravan and Motorhome Club

Supporting documents:

FIN(6)-04-25 P14 – Bluestone National Park Resort

FIN(6)-04-25 P15 – British Holiday and Home Park Association

FIN(6)-04-25 P16 – Additional evidence: British Holiday and Home Park Association

FIN(6)-04-25 P17 - Caravan and Motorhome Club

FIN(6)-04-25 P18 – Additional evidence: Caravan and Motorhome Club

Senedd Research Brief

9.1 The Committee took evidence on the Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill from William McNamara, CEO, Bluestone National Park Resort; Katherine Squires, Director of Policy and Public Affairs, British Holiday and Home Park Association; and Emma McQuillan, Head of Governance, Caravan and Motorhome Club.

9.2 The British Holiday and Home Park Association agreed to provide the Committee with the following:

·         Research that had been carried out into exemptions from levies in other countries.

David Weston, Chair, Bed & Breakfast Association (UK)

Andrew Green, Policy Manager – Pub Operations, Welsh Beer and Pub Association

Dr Llyr ap Gareth, Head of Policy, Federation of Small Businesses

Mathew Teasdale, Operations & Partnerships Manager: Wales & Chester, Youth Hostels Association

Supporting documents:

FIN(6)-04-25 P10 – Bed & Breakfast Association (UK)

FIN(6)-04-25 P11 – Welsh Beer and Pub Association

FIN(6)-04-25 P12 – Federation of Small Businesses Cymru

FIN(6)-04-25 P13 - Youth Hostels Association

Senedd Research Brief

8.1 The Committee took evidence on the Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill from David Weston, Chair, Bed & Breakfast Association (UK); Andrew Green, Policy Manager – Pub Operations, Welsh Beer and Pub Association; Dr Llyr ap Gareth, Head of Policy, Federation of Small Businesses; and Mathew Teasdale, Operations and Partnerships Manager: Wales & Chester, Youth Hostels Association.

Barbara Griffiths (North Wales Holiday Cottages), representing the Association of Welsh Agents

Alistair Handyside, Executive Chair, Professional Association of Self-Caterers UK

Carl Thomson, Public Policy Manager, UK, Airbnb

Lisa Stopher, Managing Director, West Wales Holiday Cottages

Supporting documents:

FIN(6)-04-25 P4 - North Wales Holiday Cottages

FIN(6)-04-25 P5 - Association of Welsh Agents

FIN(6)-04-25 P6 - Professional Association of Self-Caterers UK

FIN(6)-04-25 P7 – Airbnb

FIN(6)-04-25 P8 – Additional written evidence: Airbnb

FIN(6)-04-25 P9 - West Wales Holiday Cottages

Senedd Research Brief

7.1 The Committee took evidence on the Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill from Barbara Griffiths (North Wales Holiday Cottages), representing the Association of Welsh Agents; Alistair Handyside, Executive Chair, Professional Association of Self-Caterers UK; Carl Thomson, Public Policy Manager, UK, Airbnb; and Lisa Stopher, Managing Director, West Wales Holiday Cottages.

Councillor Huw Thomas, WLGA Visitor Economy Spokesperson and Leader of Cardiff Council

Councillor Rob Stewart, WLGA Deputy Leader, Economy Spokesperson and Leader of Swansea Council

Councillor R Medwyn Hughes, Cabinet Member Economy and Community, Gwynedd Council

Roland Evans, Assistant Head of Economy and Community, Gwynedd Council

Supporting documents:

FIN(6)-04-25 P3 – WLGA

Senedd Research Brief

6.1 The Committee took evidence on the Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill from Councillor Huw Thomas, Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) Visitor Economy Spokesperson and Leader of Cardiff Council; Councillor Rob Stewart, WLGA Deputy Leader, Economy Spokesperson and Leader of Swansea Council; Councillor R Medwyn Hughes, Cabinet Member Economy and Community, Gwynedd Council; and Roland Evans, Assistant Head of Economy and Community, Gwynedd Council.

6.2 The WLGA agreed to provide the Committee with information on the following:

·         Welsh Government estimated costs to an individual council wishing to introduce the levy.

Dyfed Alsop, Chief Executive, Welsh Revenue Authority

Rebecca Godfrey, Chief Operating Officer, Welsh Revenue Authority

Supporting documents:

Senedd Research Brief

5.1 The Committee took evidence on the Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill from Dyfed Alsop, Chief Executive, Welsh Revenue Authority; Rebecca Godfrey, Chief Operating Officer, Welsh Revenue Authority; and Anthony Pritchard Chief Digital Officer, Welsh Revenue Authority.

9.1 The Committee considered the evidence received.

Professor Calvin Jones, Professor of Economics, Cardiff Business School, Cardiff University

Supporting documents:

FIN(6)-03-25 P5 – Professor Calvin Jones

Senedd Research Brief

8.1 The Committee took evidence on the Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill from Professor Calvin Jones, Professor of Economics, Cardiff Business School, Cardiff University.

Dr Rhys Ap Gwilym, Senior Lecturer in Economics, Bangor Business School, Bangor University

Dr Linda Osti, Senior Lecturer in Tourism Management, Bangor Business School, Bangor University

Supporting documents:

FIN(6)-03-25 P4 – Bangor Business School, Bangor University

Senedd Research Brief

7.1 The Committee took evidence on the Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill from Dr Rhys Ap Gwilym, Senior Lecturer in Economics, Bangor Business School, Bangor University; and Dr Linda Osti, Senior Lecturer in Tourism Management, Bangor Business School, Bangor University.

The Committee considered the evidence received from the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language and agreed to write to the Welsh Government with questions not reached in the session. The Committee also agreed to consider a draft report at a future meeting.

Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill, as introduced

Explanatory Memorandum

Statement of Policy Intent

Rt Hon Mark Drakeford MS, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language

Anna Adams, Deputy Director, Tax Strategy and Intergovernmental Relations, Welsh Government

David Greenhough, Head of Visitor Levy, Tax Strategy and Intergovernmental Relations, Welsh Government

John O’Sullivan, Lawyer, Welsh Government

Emma Anderson, Lawyer, Education (Schools), Culture, Media, Sport and Tourism Team, Welsh Government

The Committee received evidence from the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language on the Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill.

The Committee noted the Written Statement by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Welsh Language.

Supporting documents:

FIN(6)-25-24 P1 – Approach to scrutiny

3.1 The Committee considered the paper and agreed the approach to Stage 1 scrutiny of the Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill and the draft terms of reference.

Anna Adams, Deputy Director, Tax Strategy & Intergovernmental Relations, Welsh Government

David Greenhough, Head of Visitor Levy, Welsh Government

India Hitchen, Senior Policy Manager – Visitor Levy, Welsh Government

Claire Rush, Policy Lead Advisor Statutory Licensing Scheme, Welsh Government

Supporting documents:

Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill, as introduced (PDF, 355KB)

Explanatory Memorandum (PDF, 2.6MB)

Welsh Government - Presentation slides

2.1 The Committee received a technical briefing on the Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill from Welsh Government officials.