Edinburgh set to introduce £2 a night tourist tax in UK first

[Tambo]

https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/edinburgh-news/edinburgh-set-introduce-2-night-25402720.amp


Edinburgh is set to become the first city in the UK to introduce a new tourist tax for visitors staying in the capital.

The City of Edinburgh Council have approved the plans this week, that will see each person taxed £2 for every night they are staying in the capital, capped at seven nights. This will include everyone staying at paid accommodation in the city, but will exclude campsites.

Official legislation is still to be approved at the Scottish Parliament, however once given the green light, the scheme is set to allow for an improvement in public areas and green spaces.

[Ozyhibby]

https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/edinburgh-news/edinburgh-set-introduce-2-night-25402720.amp


Edinburgh is set to become the first city in the UK to introduce a new tourist tax for visitors staying in the capital.

The City of Edinburgh Council have approved the plans this week, that will see each person taxed £2 for every night they are staying in the capital, capped at seven nights. This will include everyone staying at paid accommodation in the city, but will exclude campsites.

Official legislation is still to be approved at the Scottish Parliament, however once given the green light, the scheme is set to allow for an improvement in public areas and green spaces.

They could and should have made it higher in August.


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[Stairway 2 7]

Good idea, I'd never not travelled to a city as it has a city tax. Not sure how they are so vague with the estimated income of between £5 mil and £35, I could have estimated that ha. Still will obviously come in handy. Now build an arena so that the people that actually live here don't have to be tourists in Glasgow all the time

[SteveHFC]

Good idea, I'd never not travelled to a city as it has a city tax. Not sure how they are so vague with the estimated income of between £5 mil and £35, I could have estimated that ha. Still will obviously come in handy. Now build an arena so that the people that actually live here don't have to be tourists in Glasgow all the time

The money spent on the trams could have built us a decent arena.

[danhibees1875]

They could and should have made it higher in August.


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Out of interest, do any other cities flex the rate at peak times?

I was in Austria last month and they apparently have a tourist tax. I was unaware of it, but looking back at the hotels.com bill there was £30 against "taxes and fees" - I assume it's part of that.

People won't even realise, far less be deterred. Makes total sense to have introduced it. Ideally the amount raised would be ringfenced and designated specifically for projects that enhance the city and which can then be articulated. Otherwise it's all just in the melting point that is already stretched too thinly.

[J-C]

Happens in NY.

[Kato]

Should have been in place 20 years ago.

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[Tambo]

2 pound a night is nothing to spend time in the beautiful city.

[Smartie]

Where will the tax go?

Edinburgh council?

Holyrood?

Westminster?

[Ozyhibby]

Where will the tax go?

Edinburgh council?

Holyrood?

Westminster?

Council I think.


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[Just Alf]

Where will the tax go?

Edinburgh council?

Holyrood?

Westminster?Edinburgh Council.


.....Meeting on Tuesday, November 1, a report made for the council's policy and sustainability committee has stated the measure could allow for an additional income of £5 million to £35 million each year.

It added: "This list would be used as the basis for further internal and external engagement with stakeholders and members." The priorities are waste, cleansing, and greenspace, addressing congestion, investing in public routes and travel system and services.......

[Stairway 2 7]

Where will the tax go?

Edinburgh council?

Holyrood?

Westminster?

Looks like they have covered about all of their budget here so could be spent on anything.


"Meeting on Tuesday, November 1, a report made for the council's policy and sustainability committee has stated the measure could allow for an additional income of £5 million to £35 million each year.

It added: "This list would be used as the basis for further internal and external engagement with stakeholders and members." The priorities are waste, cleansing, and greenspace, addressing congestion, investing in public routes and travel system and services."

[Just Alf]

Looks like they have covered about all of their budget here so could be spent on anything.


."


I did think it felt quite wide ranging! :greengrin