THE WALES TOURISM ALLIANCE has submitted its formal response to the Welsh Government’s Visitor Levy Bill. The response, delivered to the Finance and the Legislation, Justice, and Constitution Committees, outlines several key concerns about the proposed legislation.

Key issues raised by the WTA

1. The Welsh Government’s own Explanatory Memorandum and Economic Impact Assessment suggest the policy’s administrative costs will outweigh the revenue generated.
2. The Bill extends beyond tourism visits, encompassing stays of less than 31 days for purposes such as work or education.
3. Local authorities will retain sole control over any net revenue, with no obligation to allocate funds to tourism-related initiatives.
4. The data underpinning the policy and its assumptions are unreliable and raise significant concerns.
5. Industry input, including that from Wales’s own tourism forum chairs, has been inadequately considered.
6. The policy fails to account for the pressures already impacting Welsh tourism over the past five years.

Industry reaction

WTA Chair Rowland Rees-Evans voiced disappointment over the proposal, which the Welsh Government’s own Economic Impact Assessment predicts could lead to net job losses.

“The WTA has engaged with the Welsh Government since the Visitor Levy was proposed, and we are disappointed they are pursuing a policy their own analysis suggests will have a negative impact on employment,” Rees-Evans stated.

“The tourism industry in Wales is still recovering from the devastating effects of Covid-19, grappling with the 182-day rule on holiday lets, and facing ongoing challenges from the cost-of-living crisis. Additionally, businesses are contending with a 40% rise in the living wage since 2020 and increased national insurance contributions starting this April.

“To impose another burden on a fragile sector, which employs over 20% of the workforce in some parts of Wales, is not in the best interest of the country.”

Rees-Evans emphasized the broader implications of the levy, stating:
“We must also dispel the notion that this is solely a Tourist Tax. It is a Visitor Levy that will affect everyone in Wales – from children on overnight school trips to patients requiring overnight stays before early NHS admissions.”

Pictured: Rowland Rees-Evans, Chair of the Wales Tourism Alliance

A PETITION demanding the immediate resignation of Neyland Town Councillor Mike Harry has taken centre stage ahead of an extraordinary council meeting scheduled for Thursday, January 16. The petition, started by Nicholas Wilson, accuses Cllr Harry of breaching the council’s code of conduct by making derogatory remarks about constituents in a widely circulated email.

In the email, Cllr Harry referred to some constituents as “degenerates” and “cronies from the Foresters bar,” remarks that have been labelled offensive and unbecoming of a public representative. The petition has gathered momentum in Neyland, with supporters calling for accountability and demanding higher standards from their councillors. “This kind of language and attitude has no place in our town council,” one petitioner commented.

First meeting since october 2024

The extraordinary meeting marks the first official gathering of Neyland Town Council since October 2024, after months of internal conflict and public disputes among councillors. It will take place at 6:00pm in the Viewing Gallery of Neyland Community Hub, a change from the usual venue due to a Labour Party quiz occupying the main meeting rooms. However, the relocation means there will be no audio-visual support for the meeting.

The agenda for the meeting is notably sparse, with a single item for discussion: council finance, specifically the budget and precept for 2025/26. Despite the narrow focus of the agenda, the meeting is expected to be overshadowed by the ongoing controversy surrounding Cllr Harry and the fallout from his remarks.

Escalating internal tensions

The controversy stems from an email in which Cllr Harry expressed frustration over disputes with colleagues and constituents. In the email, he dismissed critics as an “irrelevant minority” and accused them of spreading “garbage.” He also took aim at a former councillor, claiming they had resigned over a prejudicial interest relating to the construction of the Neyland Community Hub.

These comments have ignited outrage among residents, some of whom are now questioning the culture within the council. The petition has called for Cllr Harry’s removal, arguing that his remarks damage public trust in the council’s ability to serve the community.

Public divisions and Ombudsman’s investigation

Cllr Harry has defended his actions, stating that he is awaiting a decision from the Ombudsman regarding ongoing disputes. He maintains that the allegations against him are unfounded and insists that his comments have been taken out of context.

While his supporters argue that the email reflects frustration amid a difficult period for the council, critics believe the remarks highlight deeper issues within Neyland Town Council. The council has been mired in internal disputes for months, resulting in delays and cancellations of meetings, further fuelling dissatisfaction among residents.

Neyland watches closely

With tensions running high, the upcoming meeting is expected to draw significant public interest. Whether the petition will prompt immediate action or further divide the council remains to be seen. For now, the focus of the meeting is set to be council finances, but the controversy surrounding Cllr Harry is unlikely to be ignored.

The Herald will provide updates on this developing story as the situation unfolds.

BARRY JONES and his wife Holly only tied the knot in May 2024, celebrating their newfound happiness together. But their joy turned to heartbreak just months later when Barry was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in early November 2024.

Faced with this devastating diagnosis, the couple has been met with an outpouring of support from friends, family, and the local community, all coming together to help maintain Barry’s quality of life and support the couple during this challenging time.

Fundraising day brings community together

Staff from Roxanne’s Hair & Beauty Salon have rallied behind Barry and Holly, organising a special fundraising day on Sunday, January 12, 2025. The salon team has given up their family time to make this event possible, driven by their desire to make a difference for the Jones family.

The event has garnered overwhelming support, with many local businesses stepping forward to donate raffle prizes. From vouchers to hampers, the generosity has been remarkable, showcasing the strength of community spirit.

“We’ve been completely overwhelmed by how many people have come forward to help,” said Roxanne, owner of the salon. “It’s heartwarming to see the community come together for such an important cause.”

How to support Barry’s journey

For those who cannot attend the fundraiser but still want to contribute, a GoFundMe page has been set up to raise funds for Barry and Holly. The funds will go towards ensuring Barry receives the care he needs and supporting the family as they navigate the challenges ahead.

The fundraising page can be found here: Maintain Barry’s Quality of Life. Every donation, no matter the size, helps make a difference.

United by hope

Motor neurone disease is a life-changing diagnosis, but Barry and Holly are not facing it alone. With the unwavering support of their community, they are finding strength and hope amid adversity.

The Herald will provide updates on Barry’s journey and the outcome of the fundraising efforts. For now, it’s clear that the people of this community are determined to stand by Barry and Holly every step of the way.

Photo Caption: Barry and Holly: Newlyweds facing challenges together (Pic: Provided).