Let’s keep nights away accessible for all
We’re deeply concerned about a proposed new Mayoral power to create visitor levies on overnight stays in England. Unless important exemptions are made, these life-changing opportunities will be put out of reach for many.
Camps and nights away are at the heart of what we do in Scouts. They’re vital to building our 450,000 young people’s resilience, confidence and skills. Spending time away from home helps them think for themselves and feel good. At camp they forge deeper friendships and learn to be part of a team.
Why nights away matter
Independent research from the Paul Hamlyn Foundation (Learning Away) showed that 71% of young people get on better with peers as a result of their residential experience, and 87% felt more confident to try new things.
Camps and sleepovers are also times for young people to be in nature. When nearly three quarters of young people spend most of their free time on screens, this precious time away is more important than ever.
Significant concerns
We recognise the government's objectives in introducing visitor levies to support local investment and sustainable tourism. However, we’ve significant concerns about the impact of the proposals on volunteer-led youth organisations.
The proposed new visitor levy on overnight stays in England would impact negatively on Scout residentials, adding cost and red tape.
Accommodation for youth development falls within scope of the levy despite being run for charitable purpose by volunteers, on minimal budgets.
Reducing accessibility
This proposed new legislation risks putting these experiences out of reach of the young people who need them most. The levy would even extend to Scout groups holding sleepovers at their own HQs.
That’s why we’re calling for:
- A national exemption for under-18s to protect youth development opportunities
- A national exemption for charity-run hostels, campsites, activity centres, and meeting places, recognising that they’re distinct from commercial accommodation providers
- No further administrative burdens to be placed on small-scale, volunteer-run facilities
We’re sure our legislators did not intend for these new laws to stop Cubs from Hackney going to camp in Epping Forest or Explorer Scouts from Manchester sleeping under the stars in the Cumbrian fells.
Let common sense prevail and help us protect the experiences that boost all our young people’s health, happiness and future prospects.
