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Councils to be given greater flexibility over visitor levy
The bill will allow councils to set fixed visitor levies by area, season, or accommodation type to simplify collection and address legal issues with percentage-based charges.
- The Scottish Government will introduce a new Bill to let councils set a flat-rate visitor levy, aiming for early 2026 and hoping to pass it before the May elections.
- After months of industry feedback, ministers concluded further flexibility was needed as industry bodies and small accommodation businesses warned the percentage-based model 'cannot be implemented in practice' due to complexity.
- Booking platforms are reported to be struggling, with Booking.com saying it 'can’t collect a Levy for only five consecutive nights' and Airbnb advising hosts to inflate rates, while Edinburgh estimates the levy could raise 50 million annually.
- Local authorities are being urged to pause plans as Edinburgh and Glasgow have announced schemes, and Edinburgh council leader Jane Meagher will work with the Scottish Government on potential changes.
- Industry groups hailed the announcement and said Marc Crothall and the ASSC will work constructively, while Scottish Conservative Murdo Fraser warned the levy still risks harming local economies after earlier U-turns.
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11 Articles
Evening StandardReposted by 
The Independent
The IndependentGovernment to allow flat rate tourist tax
The visitor levy gives councils the power to tax stays in hotels and other accommodation.
·London, United Kingdom
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Visitor Levy Changes Positive, But Need To Work For Business - CLH News: Caterer, Licensee and Hotelier News - News for Pubs, Bars, Hotels and Restaurants
Share Post Share Email The Scottish Government has announced it will bring forward changes to its Visitor Levy legislation to give councils the power to set flat rate charges for the levy. This will be in addition to the option to use a percentage fee. It said it will also clarify how the levy is to be applied to sales via third parties, such as booking platforms. UKHospitality Scotland has consistently highlig…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources11
Leaning Left3Leaning Right1Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Left
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
50% Left
L 50%
C 33%
R 17%
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