Councillors yesterday (12 February) agreed the first full set of spending programmes for funding raised by the Edinburgh Visitor Levy, which comes into effect on 24 July 2026.
At a special meeting of the City of Edinburgh Council, councillors agreed a package of transformational funding worth over £90 million over the next three years to sustain and enhance Edinburgh’s reputation as one of the most beautiful and enjoyable destinations in the world.
Fiona Campbell MBE, CEO of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers, said:
“From a grandiose super cycle lane on George Street to bringing back the Festival Cavalcade, Edinburgh Council has compiled an extensive shopping list based on projected revenue.
Some of the ideas are merited from a visitor economy perspective, but a dose of realism is required. Many should already be part of basic council core spending – and it shouldn’t take a tourist tax for adequately policed streets in the city centre. To retain confidence, the Council should be laser focused on ensuring the spending falls within the statutory purpose of the visitor levy legislation.
In particular, the plan for affordable housing not only scapegoats local businesses for issues beyond their control, industry has also repeatedly warned that is legally dubious. Given the Council’s recent track record in the courts on short-term lets, the last thing it needs is another legal challenge.”