Edinburgh to introduce tourist tax in UK

Friday, February 1, 2019

After winning a battle for the right to introduce a tourism tax Edinburgh local councils will have the power to bring in visitor levy if they choose. This year before the necessary legislation is brought forward a consultation on the move will take place.

Edinburgh will be the first one to in the UK to introduce the tax and at the elevent hour the budget deal was agreed before a debate in the Scottish Parliament. Councils across Scotland will get extra cash intending that the savings Edinburgh must find for 2019/20 are reduced from £41 million to £34m.

There will also be a workplace parking levy given by the council to increase council tax beyond the current limit of three per cent.

Finance Secretary Derek Mackay stated that the additional measures will deliver the most significant empowerment of local authorities since devolution and provide additional funding to support local services.

City council leader Adam McVey felt delighted with the go-ahead for the tourist tax and the parking levy. He stated that  Edinburgh was leading the debate, they were in their programme and they made representations to the Scottish Government for some time.

The Scottish Tourism Alliance was not happy with the announcements stating that it was beyond disappointing and might further deliver a blow to the industry.

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