Council can consult on Visitor Levy legislation very soon

The commencement date of the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act has been confirmed as Friday 20 September 2024. This will allow The City of Edinburgh Council to consult on the way it will work in Edinburgh shortly afterwards.

Council Leader Cammy Day said: “This is a once in generation opportunity for Edinburgh and I’m pleased to see Government move quickly on this. We’re looking forward to harnessing the opportunities the new legislation will bring. 

“Since the Visitor Levy Scotland Bill became an Act on 5 July, we’ve been working on our plans to run a widescale public consultation that will seek views on our draft scheme. We’ve spent many years designing a scheme that works for our city, and we’ve published details of our plans for a 5% levy on overnight stays.

“This charge could raise up to £50 million per year once established, presenting a welcome and innovative way of sustaining our tourism sector and our incredible city. I’m looking forward to people from all over the city, and the world, sharing their views.”

The Council will launch a formal 12-week public consultation on the draft Visitor Levy scheme for Edinburgh soon after the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act commences on 20 September. The results will inform the final scheme, which will be considered by Councillors early next year.

Read the full report considered by Councillors and more information on Edinburgh’s visitor levy scheme.