Greens want Glasgow to be first council in Scotland to introduce visitor levy

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Scottish Green co-leader and Glasgow MSP Patrick Harvie said such a charge would help ensure that “tourists are able to contribute to the services that they are using”. With Holyrood having passed legislation last month giving local authorities the power to introduce a visitor levy on overnight stays, Greens on Glasgow City Council secured unanimous support for a motion requiring the the authority to start the legal process for this as soon as possible. “This will make the city a more welcoming destination for visitors while also showing Glaswegians that our local communities and local services must come first.” The Visitor Levy Act gives local councils the power to charge a levy on those staying in hotels, and bed and breakfasts, self-catering accommodation and campsites and caravan parks. This is a simple step that will ensure that tourists are able to contribute to the services that they are using, while providing vital funding for our local authorities.” He added: “There are iconic cities all over the world who use visitor levies like this and I am proud that it is Scottish Green councillors who are working to ensure Glasgow will be the first Scottish city to join them in doing so.”