With Edinburgh’s Visitor Levy officially coming into effect today, the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) has reiterated its concerns about the percentage-based model adopted by the City of Edinburgh Council. While the milestone marks the first rollout of a tourist tax in Scotland, a growing number of local authorities are pausing or reconsidering their own plans, highlighting the need for flexibility and a fairer approach.
Fiona Campbell MBE, CEO of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers, said:
“Today marks an important milestone in the implementation of the capital’s tourist tax. The ASSC continues to raise serious concerns about the percentage-based model adopted by Edinburgh Council. However, it is worth noting that a growing number of councils across Scotland are reconsidering their plans, recognising the practical and economic challenges the percentage model presents. In this context, we strongly urge other councils to closely monitor developments in Edinburgh and also await potential changes from the Scottish Government which could bring about greater flexibility and a more effective scheme. Rest assured, the ASSC remains committed to lobbying at national and local level for a fairer regulatory system which will not undermine the very industry it was intended to support.”