A statement from Girlguiding Cymru on the Welsh Visitor accommodation Bill
Girlguiding Cymru welcomes the recent confirmation by the Mark Drakeford, Finance secretary for Wales, in the Senedd that youth organisations will be exempt from the proposed Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill.
This follows written and oral evidence submitted by several youth organisations including Girlguiding Cymru. We are pleased that our voices have been heard.
We commend the steps taken so far to ensure the Bill recognises the vital role youth organisations play in communities across Wales. However, we remain concerned about the unintended consequences the current draft legislation may still have on volunteer-led groups.
As the Bill now moves to Stage 2, we urge Members of the Senedd to give further consideration to how registration and levy requirements could place an undue administrative and financial burden on volunteers. For organisations such as Girlguiding Cymru, overnight stays are an essential and enriching part of our programme—but accommodation is not our primary purpose.
ScoutsCymru has rightly highlighted that facilities such as scout huts, church halls and other multi-use buildings—where overnight stays are occasional and incidental—should not be treated in the same way as commercial accommodation providers. We echo those concerns. Read ScoutCymru’s statement here.
“Every year, thousands of young people in Wales benefit from life-shaping experiences through Girlguiding Cymru. These opportunities—like camps and residentials—depend entirely on the time and dedication of our adult volunteers.
It’s vital that legislation recognises the unique nature of charitable and youth organisations and does not inadvertently put these experiences at risk.”
Our ask
We also want to ensure that adult volunteers, who must accompany young people on overnight activities, are not unintentionally captured by the levy despite the youth exemption.
Girlguiding Cymru calls for clear guidance and continued dialogue with the Welsh Government to ensure appropriate exemptions are built into the final legislation—particularly for organisations where accommodation plays a supporting role in delivering wider charitable outcomes.
We are committed to working constructively with all parties during Stage 2 to ensure that youth opportunities in Wales are not only protected but strengthened for future generations.
