Edinburgh council agrees Scotland’s first visitor levy charge at online meeting
Edinburgh council agrees Scotland’s first visitor levy charge at online meeting
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Scotland’s first-ever visitor levy has been approved by councillors in Edinburgh. Members of Edinburgh city council agreed the plans, which will bring in the charge on those staying in overnight accommodation throughout the area. Visitors staying in the city will have to pay a 5% fee per night, capped at seven nights – which is expected to raise up to £50 million a year for the local authority.
With a rare red weather warning in place as a result of Storm Eowyn, councillors met virtually on Friday to discuss the proposals. Council leader Jane Meagher has previously described the levy as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to invest in the city.
Last year, the Scottish Parliament approved legislation giving councils the ability to introduce such a charge. The 5% charge will apply to those staying in hotels, bed and breakfasts, and other forms of accommodation, including holiday lets. Under the council’s plans, it will be applied on bookings made after May 1 this year, for accommodation stays from July 24, 2026, onwards.
Friday’s full council meeting to discuss the proposal comes after it was backed last week by the authority’s policy and sustainability committee. The Green and SNP groups on the city council urged the Labour-run administration to adopt a higher rate of the levy, proposing 7% and 8% respectively.
