SCOUTS CYMRU has warned that the Welsh Government’s proposed Visitor Levy could have unintended consequences for volunteers and youth groups, potentially putting vital learning experiences for young people at risk.

The organisation, which supports thousands of children across Wales in outdoor and educational activities, has called for key changes to the Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) (Wales) Bill, currently progressing through the Senedd.

At Stage 1, Members of the Senedd agreed to exempt under-18s from the levy, a move welcomed by ScoutsCymru. However, with Stage 2 discussions now under way, the group says further amendments are needed to ensure that the burden of administration and costs do not fall unfairly on volunteers or disrupt youth programming.

There are currently more than 4,000 young people on waiting lists to join the Scouts in Wales, with demand for overnight events and camps higher than ever. But under the current proposals, Scout halls could be treated in the same way as hotels or other commercial accommodation providers.

“Scout halls are not hotels,” said Kerrie Gemmill, CEO of ScoutsCymru. “Volunteers leading overnight stays with young people in community halls would be classed as ‘visitors’ and charged the levy – despite not being on holiday, but there to lead and safeguard the group.”

ScoutsCymru has called for the Bill to be updated to clarify that buildings like Scout halls and community centres – where occasional overnight use is not the primary purpose – should not fall within the scope of the levy.

There is also concern about the potential administrative burden placed on volunteers. A single overnight stay could require a community venue to register, track occupancy, and manage a payment system, even if only two adults are staying to supervise children.

“This isn’t about avoiding fair taxes – it’s about proportion,” said Gemmill. “We’re talking about people who already give up their evenings and weekends for free. Asking them to set up tax systems for a couple of overnighters a year is unrealistic. It risks putting people off, and that means fewer overnight adventures for young people.”

ScoutsCymru is proposing three key changes to the legislation:

• A clear legal exemption for premises primarily used for education or youth activities.
• Rules that are proportionate to the capacity and nature of volunteer-led groups.
• A national exemption for charitable groups offering occasional overnight stays as part of structured youth programmes.

“We’re grateful for the engagement so far,” added Gemmill. “With a few sensible changes, we can protect the purpose of the Bill while preserving affordable and accessible experiences for young people, led by the volunteers who make them possible.”

CHORAL voices rang out at Pembroke’s St Mary’s Church in a joyful effort to raise funds for the return of the church bells.

The Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir performed their latest concert in a busy spring programme, drawing a large and appreciative audience to the parish church. The event was a fundraiser to help restore the bells to working order in the church tower.

The Vicar, the Rev Heidi de Gruchy, welcomed both choir and audience, and the project’s background was outlined by the St Mary’s Bell Conductor, Frances Bunker.

In a heartwarming display of teamwork, Rev Heidi stepped in during the choir’s opening item, ‘Rachie’, when the music stand on the keyboard collapsed. Her husband, the Rev William Lambert, who is the choir’s accompanist, played on seamlessly as she held up the sheet music.

Once equilibrium was restored, the choir continued in strong voice, with humour and introductions from MC Matthew John keeping spirits high throughout the evening. Highlights included ‘Anthem’ from the musical Chess, songs from Les Misérables, and the spiritual ‘My Lord, What a Morning’.

The encore, ‘American Trilogy’, brought an added touch of fun, with three members of the audience—including a visitor from the Wirral—joining the choir onstage at Matthew’s invitation.

Rev William also performed two solo piano pieces, showcasing his musical talents with Chopin’s ‘Polonaise’ and Debussy’s ‘Clair de Lune’.

Among the evening’s notable moments was the concert debut of new baritone chorister Jonathan Price. He will soon be joined by other recruits in the baritone and bass sections. The choir continues to encourage more local men—especially tenors able to reach the higher notes—to come forward and join this welcoming group.

The choir’s next concert will take place on Sunday, May 4 at 3:30pm at Monkton Priory Church. They will be joined by old friends from the Mansfield Male Voice Choir, with around 60 choristers expected to fill the historic venue with sound. More details are available on the choir’s Facebook page.

Cover image:

Bringing back the bells: The Revs Heidi de Gruchy and William Lambert are pictured at St Mary’s Church with Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir chairman Huw Morgan (left) and new chorister Jonathan Price. (Pic: P&D MVC)

DYFED-POWYS Police is investigating a domestic burglary which occurred at an address in Prescelly Place, Milford Haven, on Wednesday (Apr 23).

Officers hand-delivered letters to residents in the area on Thursday (Apr 24), appealing for information that may assist with the investigation.

No arrests have been made at this stage and enquiries are ongoing.