Caravan and motorhome drivers face having to pay new 'visitor tax' in UK
Drivers could face daily charges when visiting a popular UK city under new rule changes. Drivers , road users and motorists are being urged to come forward with their views Edinburgh City Council launches a consultation which could see tourists charged.
Visitors could be charged for staying in caravans, motorhomes and hotels. The draft documents for the Edinburgh Visitor Levy outline that it will apply to all overnight accommodation within the City of Edinburgh Council boundary.
Councillors voted in favour of a transient visitor levy, which would see a charge applied to stays including at hotels, B&Bs, self-catering accommodation, and short-term rental properties such as those available on Airbnb.
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The levy will be a five per cent cap at a maximum of seven consecutive nights and will apply all year round. Seasonal accommodation including Edinburgh Caravan and Motorhome Park, Linwater Caravan and Camping Park and Mortonhall Caravan and Camping Park could be impacted.
Cammy Day, Leader of Edinburgh City Council, said the scheme had the potential to raise "tens of millions of pounds a year" once it is introduced in 2026. He added that the visitor levy presents a "huge opportunity to invest sustainably", as well as developing measures to make the city a better place to live in and visit.
Councillor Day, who represents the Forth ward, said: "This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for our city to harness its global visitor appeal. Funds raised could go towards supporting vital services such as keeping the city clean and green, preserving some of our incredible heritage sites as well as supporting businesses in the visitor economy industry
"We already know from the huge amount of engagement we’ve previously carried out that the introduction of a levy has overwhelming support here in Edinburgh." The Edinburgh City Council consultation will run from Monday, September 23, until the closure on Sunday, December 15.