Ellie Ames 09 January 2025

Edinburgh set to declare Scotland's first ‘tourist tax’

Edinburgh set to declare Scotlands first ‘tourist tax’ image
Image: sadman / Shutterstock.com

The City of Edinburgh Council is set to vote through a visitor levy this month, more than six years after it began working on the scheme.

After councillors green-lighted the plans in August and following a public consultation, updated proposals will be considered by the council’s policy committee on 17 January and by full council a week later.

Changes include a recommendation to cap the 5% levy at five consecutive nights per person, rather than seven, and making stays at temporary campsites liable.

The charge, which will also cover hotels, short-term lets, B&Bs and hostels, will apply to stays from July 2026 that are booked from this May onwards.

The council has said the levy is expected to raise up to £50m a year.

Council leader Jane Meagher said the funding could provide Edinburgh with ‘the single biggest injection of new funding this side of the millennium’.

She added: ‘We’ll be able to use funds to help us manage tourism sustainably and boost projects which benefit the experience of visitors and residents.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Chief Executive

Ebbsfleet Development Corporation
up to £165,000
Ebbsfleet is one of the UK’s most ambitious regeneration projects, a 21st-century Garden City Ebbsfleet, Kent
Recuriter: Ebbsfleet Development Corporation

Para Swim Coach

North Yorkshire Council
£15.84 - £17.29 per hour
Lead, Inspire, and Empower – Join Our Para Swim Coaching Team Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Head of Legal and Governance

Elmbridge Borough Council
£92,948-£104,310 plus £6,500 Leadership Allowance and £5,000 Statutory Officer Allowance
Elmbridge is a vibrant borough, celebrated for its green spaces, bustling high streets and welcoming villages. Elmbridge, Droitwich
Recuriter: Elmbridge Borough Council

Planning Officer

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Up to £40404 per annum
Shape the future of our borough through thoughtful, balanced planning that benefits residents, businesses and communities.As a Planning Officer in our England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Adults Team Manager - Early Help & Wellbeing

Essex County Council
£54001 - £66899 per annum
This is a 10 month fixed term contract or secondment opportunity.The RoleThe Early Help & Wellbeing Team is a welcoming, compassionate and innovative England, Essex, Harlow
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner