South West Community Policing Team (SWCPT) officers have been carrying out a shoplifting initiative with plain clothes patrols concentrating on the Gorgie, Dalry and Chesser areas:
A 35 year old male was arrested on 15 outstanding warrants and charged with 23 shoplifting offences.
A 34 year old female was arrested on 3 warrants and charged with 26 shoplifting offences.
A 24 year old male was arrested and charged with 9 shoplifting offences and an offence under the Protection of Retail Workers Act.
A 45 year old male was arrested and charged with a shoplifting offence having attempted to sell his stolen alcohol to a local pub. The pub refused to buy it from him.
A 26 year old male and female were both reported for a theft shoplifting and males aged 19, 20 and 35 were all given Recorded Police Warnings for shoplifting offences.
Sole traders and landlords earning more than £50,000 from their self-employment and property must send their first Making Tax Digital for Income Tax quarterly update by 7 August 2026
The quarterly update covers income and expenses for the first three months of the tax year.
The update takes minutes through recognised software and is not a tax return.
More than 864,000 sole traders and landlords signed up to Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax have just two weeks left before the deadline to submit their first quarterly update.
The update covers income and expenses for the first three months of the tax year. The deadline for submitting it to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is 7 August 2026.
The quarterly update is not a tax return. It is a short summary sent directly to HMRC through recognised software and takes minutes to complete.
Customers who have not yet signed up can still do so now by visiting GOV.UK, where they can also find software and access free guidance and webinars. If customers use an agent, they can sign them up instead.
Some software includes digital support tool HMRC Assist, which gives tailored feedback to help customers spot potential errors before submission. Customers remain responsible for ensuring their return is accurate.
After each update, users can see an estimate of their tax bill, helping them to plan ahead.
Craig Ogilvie, HMRC’s Director of Making Tax Digital, said: “This is a landmark moment for the tax system. Hundreds of thousands of sole traders and landlords are now keeping digital records and will be sending their first quarterly update in the coming weeks.
“For those already using software, this should be straightforward and take minutes. If you haven’t signed up yet, there is still time – visit GOV.UK and search ‘Making Tax Digital for Income Tax’ to get started.”
Making Tax Digital is now a legal requirement and customers in scope should check now that they are signed up, that their software is compatible and submit their update before the deadline.
It will extend to those earning more than £30,000 from April 2027, and to those earning more than £20,000 from April 2028.
The tax return deadline remains 31 January. Quarterly updates do not replace the tax return – customers will still need to submit their return and pay any taxed owed by the 31 January 2027.
CASE STUDY
“My first Making Tax Digital update was so easy – if they can all go this seamlessly, we’ll be set up for smooth sailing”
Natasha Patterson, 33, is a full-time potter based in Whitehead, County Antrim, and is already ahead of the game – she has submitted her first Making Tax Digital for Income Tax quarterly update weeks before the 7 August deadline.
She has been working as a potter since 2020 and opened her studio shop – Natasha Swan Ceramics – in 2023, where she specialises in functional wheel-thrown tableware including mugs, salt pigs and reed diffusers.
Like many small business owners, Natasha was not looking forward to a new tax obligation. She decided to submit early – just in case there were any issues along the way.
Natasha said: “I was expecting there to be some hurdles and I wanted to give myself time to work through any issues but was pleasantly surprised to find the process very smooth and straightforward.”
In the end, the submission itself took about ten minutes. Natasha had been adding receipts and updating her records throughout the quarter, so everything was ready to go when it came to submitting.
“I went back to check I did it right about three times, but it really was very straightforward.
“Everything made sense and was logical – it wasn’t overwhelming, even though it was all new to me.
“If they can all go this seamlessly, we will be set up for smooth sailing at the end of this tax year.”
One of the things she has valued most is being able to see a forecast of her tax bill straight away.
“It’s great to have a forecast of what I owe already, without mounds of paperwork. I feel more prepared knowing what’s expected of me in the coming months and also more confident going into the second quarter now knowing how straightforward the first submission was.”
Her message to other sole traders approaching their first update is straightforward. She said: “If you can complete your Self Assessment tax return, this is much easier. As far as tax submissions go, it was probably as pleasant as they come.”
If you live in Edinburgh and have difficulty travelling or receive certain benefits, we may be able to help you visit a family member residing in a Scottish prison or the State Hospital, at no cost:
On Saturday August 1st from 2pm staff and residents at Queens Manor care home in Barnton will be hosting an afternoon of exciting contemporary performances as part of the Edinburgh Fringe Cares Fest, now in its fifth year.
Taking to the stage at 3pm will be Lai Yee, an acrobat and contemporary street performer from Hong Kong who specialises in flow arts which include juggling, Cyr wheel and light dancing.
Then at 4pm, talented and versatile vocalist Anna Vanosi will showcase some of her broad repertoire working across jazz, contemporary and storytelling-led live performance. Her work ranges from intimate jazz sets to theatrical interpretations of songs, always focused on character, rhythm, and emotional connection.
Both performances promise to be a feast for the senses.
The performances are free of charge and open to the local community, the team at Queens Manor very much hope that friends and neighbours will come along to enjoy the event and some refreshments along with the residents and their loved ones.
General Manager, Margaret-Ann Davidson said, “The Fringe Cares Fest started right here in Queens Manor five years ago and it is wonderful to watch it grow from strength to strength every year, I think there are performances in 20 Edinburgh care homes this year.
“We hope that everyone will come and join us to enjoy the performances, it will be a fantastic event and everyone is welcome.”
Queens Manor care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Queens Manor provides residential and residential dementia care for 60 residents from respite breaks to long term stays.
Dig out your pencils and come out and play for a weekend celebrating nature and art in our community.
Whether you are a keen artist, or last drew at primary school, all are welcome to come and get stuck in with our art materials and activities. Get arty on Saturday and see the full exhibition of works on Sunday.
Activities include:
• Learning plant identification through sketching (workshop at 11am and 1pm)
• Design your own mythical beast of Granton
• Clay creature sculpting
• Ant’s eye view – get up close to tiny worlds
• Get imaginative with our art materials – stay and make for as long as you like
• Add your nature art to our exhibition
• Teas, coffees and snacks by donation
Click here for free Eventbrite booking.
Find us at Granton Hub, Maldevic House, Granton Park Avenue, EH5 1HS (We are wheelchair accessible).
Andy Burnham yesterday became the first Prime Minister to work from No10 North, declaring ‘the days of power being hoarded in SW1 are over’
Burnham throws open the doors to No10 North, marking a new era of power flowing out of Whitehall and into every postcode
PM revives the National Economic Council in Manchester, bringing ministers and regional mayors around the table to drive devolution from week one
Comes as PM gives families and business owners breathing space with VAT off electricity bills, £2 bus fare cap restored, and a 20% business rates cut for pubs, clubs and music venues
Andy Burnham yesterday became the first Prime Minister to work from No10 North as he declared the days of power being hoarded in SW1 are over.
Operating from Heron House in Manchester’s city centre, No10 North will be the government’s new situation room for growth. It brings the levers of local economic growth and devolution together under one roof for the first time.
The Prime Minister is expected to work from No10 North each week so that decisions about the country’s economic future will no longer exclusively be made in Westminster. Other ministers will also work from No10 North on a regular basis, underlining this Government’s determination to do things differently.
The Prime Minister will chair the first meeting of the revived National Economic Council at No10 North today (Friday), bringing together senior ministers and regional mayors to put devolution at the centre of the Government’s mission to make Britian better.
The National Economic Council was first established in 2008 to provide a national response to an economic emergency. Its revival reflects the Prime Minister’s belief that delivering economic growth now requires the same level of urgency, focus and collective action, bringing together other government departments and local leaders.
Regional mayors will be invited to sit around the table, cementing devolution at the centre of economic decision-making and backing the Prime Minister’s pledge to rewire Britain so that decisions are taken with local leaders, not just for them.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “For 40 years, power and resources have been sucked into the centre, and too many communities have felt forgotten, without the attention and investment they deserve.
“No 10 North will change that by putting more power into every postcode across the entire country.
“It will be the situation room for making Britain better – the place we use to get power out of Westminster, into the hands of people at a local level, so that they can turn things around.
“The days of Whitehall resisting devolution are over, for good.”
Ahead of the first meeting of the National Economic Council, the Prime Minister will speak to leading Business Representative Organisations including the Federation of Small Business, CBI and the BCC to discuss how Government and business can work together to unlock growth, investment and create jobs across the country.
The NEC’s attendees will flex according to the issues under consideration, bringing together business leaders, trade unions and other partners where their expertise can help drive delivery.
Local economic growth, devolution strategy and local growth policy are being brought together so that government departments, mayors, combined authorities and business can work from a single plan rather than competing ones.
First Secretary of State Louise Haigh said: “Today marks a fundamental re-balancing of where power sits in our country. No10 North has been set up to drive economic growth in every postcode and put power in the hands of every community.
“Through this department, this Government will ensure that the places overlooked by Westminster for decades are given a real voice. No.10 North is open for business.”
Chancellor of the Exchequer, John Healey MP added: “This is a new era for devolution. Never before has a government been so serious about passing on its own power from Westminster in favour of local areas.
“No10 North sits at the heart of that plan. This is the way we signal real change – and the way we get it done.”
The meeting comes off the back of a series of interventions made to ease the cost of living and back local high streets, setting the tone for the PM’s cost-of-living government.
This week the government has announced:
The removal of VAT from domestic electricity bills from 1 October, saving a typical household around £45 a year.
The £2 cap on bus fares in England will kick in from January 2027.
A 20% cut in business rates for pubs, social clubs and live music venues in England from April 2027, benefiting nearly 32,000 venues and worth around £1,100 a year to a typical pub, on top of the 15% relief already in place.
SWINNEY: “A win for Scotland and a win for the United States”
First Minister John Swinney has welcomed the lifting of US tariffs on Scotch whisky and the creation of a ‘zero-for-zero’ tariff regime from today.
The exemption announced by President Trump following the King’s State Visit in April, was confirmed by US Authorities today and come into force today (Friday).
Scotland exports more whisky to the United States than to any other country.
The First Minister said: “The end of US tariffs on Scotch whisky has now been confirmed by the US Authorities and from, tomorrow, will be whisky will be tariff free.
“This follows the remarkable contribution of the King and a ‘Team Scotland’ approach that saw the Scotch Whisky Association and the Scottish Government work hand in hand.
“We were able to partner with the bourbon industry in the United States, raise the issue with President Trump in the Oval Office, and get this issue on his agenda.
“The result is a ‘zero-for-zero’ tariff regime that is a win for Scotland and a win for the United States. It benefits businesses and workers on both sides of the Atlantic and not just among whisky producers but also the businesses and communities that support the sector across Scotland.
“This is a good day for Scotland.”
International Director at the Scotch Whisky Association Ian Duddy said: “The return of tariff-free trade for Scotch Whisky in the US is welcome news for businesses on both sides of the Atlantic.
“As Scotch Whisky’s most valuable global market, worth £933 million in 2025, the removal of tariffs provides greater confidence to invest, grow exports, and support jobs and communities across Scotland and the US.
“From Kentucky to Speyside, this will not only benefit the Scotch and US whisky sectors, but our wider supply chains of cooperages, farmers, hospitality and retail.
“This outcome is testament to the strength of the enduring relationship between the UK and the US. On behalf of the Scotch Whisky industry, we are grateful to everyone who worked to make this happen, including His Majesty The King during his recent State Visit.
“We look forward to building on this positive momentum and working with partners on both sides of the Atlantic to ensure Scotch Whisky continues to thrive.”
More parts of Scotland have moved into water scarcity following another week of exceptionally dry weather, with several areas now close to Significant Scarcity.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency’s (SEPA) latest weekly water scarcity report shows conditions have deteriorated across much of the country.
The Deveron and Almond catchments have moved into Moderate Scarcity, joining the Tyne (Lothian), Firth of Forth, Firth of Tay, Don (Aberdeenshire), Esk and Tweed.
Water scarcity is now most severe across eastern and southern Scotland, where many catchments are at Alert or Moderate Scarcity. Early Warning conditions form a broad band through the interior of the country and extend into the north and the Outer Hebrides. Much of the north-west and west coast remains at Normal Conditions, although Early Warning is beginning to extend into some western catchments.
Across eastern Scotland, most locations have recorded less than 10mm of rainfall during July, while Angus has received less than 3mm over the past three weeks. Parts of Aberdeenshire and the Cairngorms have also experienced exceptionally dry conditions.
The prolonged lack of rainfall has left soils across much of eastern Scotland very dry, with many rivers experiencing prolonged low flows. Several river monitoring stations are now recording flows amongst the lowest on record.
If exceptionally low river flows continue over the next few days, Berwickshire Coastal, Whiteadder Water, Lower Tweed, Lunan Water, Lower Don, Fife (East Neuk) and North Fife are expected to move into Significant Scarcity.
Significant Scarcity is declared when river flows remain below Q95, a recognised low flow threshold, for 30 days. When a station reaches Significant, SEPA will introduce targeted and temporary restrictions on licensed water abstractions to protect rivers and the wildlife that depends on them.
Any restrictions would be proportionate, based on local conditions, kept under regular review and lifted as soon as conditions improve.
Since the beginning of May, SEPA has published weekly water scarcity reports and worked closely with organisations including NFUS, Farming and Water Scotland and the Scotch Whisky Association to help water users prepare for the season. SEPA have also engaged directly with licensed abstractors in affected areas, providing advance notice of changing conditions and practical advice to help them plan ahead.
With conditions continuing to deteriorate, SEPA are urging farmers, businesses and other licensed abstractors who have not already done so to put those plans into action. This includes reducing abstraction where possible, improving water efficiency, staggering abstractions with neighbouring users where appropriate and implementing contingency plans. These actions can help reduce pressure on rivers and minimise the need for restrictions later in the season.
Anyone can monitor conditions using SEPA’s online Drought Risk Assessment Tool (DRAT), which shows colour-coded monitoring stations across Scotland and how close local areas are to reaching Significant Scarcity.
SEPA will continue to publish weekly water scarcity reports every Thursday throughout the summer so water users can stay informed as conditions change.
Shona McConnell, SEPA’s Head of Compliance, said: “Weeks of exceptionally dry weather are continuing to put pressure on rivers across much of Scotland, particularly in the east where some river flows are now amongst the lowest on record.
“Since the beginning of May we’ve been providing weekly updates and practical advice, while working closely with organisations including NFUS, Farming and Water Scotland and the Scotch Whisky Association, as well as engaging directly with licence holders in affected areas. Our aim has always been to give abstractors as much notice as possible so they can prepare.
“For many abstractors, now is the time to put those plans into action. Reducing abstraction where possible, improving water efficiency, staggering abstractions and making use of contingency plans can all help reduce pressure on rivers and minimise the need for restrictions if exceptionally low river flows continue.
“Our weekly water scarcity reports and Drought Risk Assessment Tool help people understand what’s happening in their local area and plan ahead. If restrictions become necessary, they will be targeted, temporary and only remain in place for as long as they are needed to protect Scotland’s water environment.”
People can also help by reporting signs of water scarcity, including exceptionally low river levels, dry riverbeds and impacts on habitats, through SEPA’s website. These observations complement SEPA’s monitoring network and help build a clearer picture of conditions across Scotland.
The latest Water Scarcity Report, catchment maps, advice for businesses and other water users, and information on reporting signs of water scarcity are available on SEPA’s water scarcity pages.
Action urged on global debt and sustainable development
The Scottish Government, Malawi and Zambia are calling on Commonwealth countries to work together to tackle the global debt crisis and give Global South countries a stronger voice in international financial decision-making.
A joint statement calls for urgent reforms to the international debt system, including:
fast and fair debt restructuring that helps countries resolve debt problems before they become crises
a new international framework, led by the UN or another global body, to help countries resolve debt problems more fairly and efficiently
new debt legislation ensuring private lenders share the burden of debt restructuring fairly with other creditors
improved access to financial help for climate projects
It highlights growing concern that unsustainable debt repayments are limiting the ability of many countries in the Global South to invest in essential public services, climate resilience and economic development.
Announcing the joint statement at a reception celebrating Scotland’s longstanding relationship with Malawi, Zambia and Rwanda, First Minister John Swinney said: “During my visit to Malawi and Zambia, I met communities who are taking control of their lives and livelihoods through Scottish Government supported, community-led climate resilience programmes, and I learned first-hand about the impact that both debt and climate injustice can have on communities.
“Across the Commonwealth unsustainable debt repayments are consuming resources that should be used to build schools, hospitals, and climate-resilient infrastructure, and climate change is exacerbating this problem. The Global South should not be forced to choose between repaying their creditors and helping their communities to recover from storms and droughts.
“The Scottish Government is committed to working with our partners across the Global South on a fair, long-term solution to the global debt crisis and supporting debt solutions that allow countries to invest in people, public services and climate resilience.”
Malawian High Commissioner to the UK His Excellency Dr Thomas Bisika said: “Where Malawi stands now, debt relief needs to be considered seriously as the ameliorative effects of debt restructuring have been very minimal and inconsistent at best.
“We also need debt reforms that improve access to emergency liquidity before, during and after climate disasters.”
Zambian High Commissioner to the UK Her Excellency Macenje Mazoka said: “Zambia welcomes this important joint statement and the spirit of solidarity it reflects.
“Our experience has shown that debt justice is not only about easing immediate pressures, but about creating a fairer international system that allows countries to invest in their people, strengthen resilience, and pursue sustainable development.
“We look forward to working with Commonwealth partners to advance reforms that ensure debt solutions are timely, fair, and climate-responsive.”
Chief Executive of Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund Lorraine Currie said: “Bringing diplomats, campaigners and academics together for the roundtable on debt justice was a powerful reminder that real progress begins with listening to those most affected and acting alongside them.
“The energy and unity in the room showed what genuine partnership can unlock. We are grateful to the Scottish Government for convening this vital conversation and for keeping debt justice high on Scottish, UK and global agendas.”
The statement was agreed earlier this week by Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action Gillian Martin, Zambian High Commissioner to the UK Her Excellency Macenje Mazoka and Malawian High Commissioner to the UK His Excellency Dr Thomas Bisika.
The UK’s first city-wide visitor levy scheme will officially apply to paid overnight stays in Edinburgh starts today – Friday 24 July 2026.
The ‘Tourist Tax’ levy is projected to raise up to £50 million a year to invest in sustaining, supporting and enhancing Edinburgh’s worldwide appeal as a place to visit and live.
A 5% fee will now apply to the cost of all paid overnight accommodation in Scotland’s capital city, capped at five nights in a row. The levy is charged at the same rate every day of the year.
The scheme was formally agreed in January 2025 and has applied to all advance bookings made since 1 October 2025 for stays taking place on or after 24 July 2026.
Worth over £90 million over the next three years, the initial programmes fall under three well-defined themes:
City Operations and Infrastructure;
Culture, Heritage and Events; and
Destination and Visitor Management.
The Council will receive the first levy receipts in October and November of this year.
Several ‘early win’ projects have already started, including:
A £132,000 contribution towards Edinburgh’s Festival Carnival and Mardi Gras events, which took place over the weekend of 18/19 July, providing an early demonstration of the Council’s intent to reinvest the levy’s funds into experiences that everyone can enjoy, whether they are visitors or residents.
Funding ten festival city ambassadors to help visitors find their way around the capital this summer, and work alongside the Council’s partners to make sure Edinburgh remains a vibrant and inclusive place.
Other key initiatives to be delivered in the next three years include, but are not limited to:
A £2m Participatory Budgeting (PB) programme to fund local neighbourhood projects in all 17 of the city’s electoral wards, chosen by residents via a new online voting portal, while also encouraging visitors to explore Edinburgh’s many hidden gems.
Funding to ensure the city’s streets and open spaces are clean and kept to a high standard, including a £100,000 per year upgrade and replacement programme for bins in high footfall areas, £500,000 per annum to expand work to tackle graffiti through extra support for private businesses and £1.3m on additional operations services for the city centre (waste, cleansing, patrols).
Ambitious projects to renew and restore principal areas of Edinburgh, including investments in town centre high streets, £3m for public realm improvements in Hunter Square and £2m and £2.5m respectively towards transforming the city’s key coastal visitor attractions at Cramond foreshore and Portobello Promenade.
£5m contribution to restore Leith Theatre and create a year round culture and live music space, expanding cultural opportunity beyond the city centre.
£3m towards transforming the iconic Old Royal High School into a world class, national centre for music open to all.
£3.85m to speed up the setted streets renewal programme and £3m for new and upgraded public toilets to maintain Edinburgh’s streets, public spaces and public infrastructure to an accessible and world-class standard.
Investing in premier parks across the city to create improved spaces where the highest footfall and impact on the environment is experienced – and increases to the parks repairs budgets, while doubling the number of park rangers across the city.
Programmes to green the city with additional investment in planting, such as floral gateways, to improve the look and feel of the city’s green spaces as well as the overall visitor experience.
In the run up to the levy’s formal introduction, the Council has been providing ongoing support to businesses in the visitor economy. This has included providing materials to help businesses communicate the scheme to their guests, summarising key information on how it’s paid and the benefits it will bring to the city.
Council Leader Jane Meagher said:“This is such an important moment for our city – and for our residents and visitors. It’s the result of a huge amount of work over many, many years and I am proud to be the first local authority in the UK to push ahead with a city-wide visitor levy scheme. We now have a unique opportunity to invest more in the things that make our city so special.
“We know that the city’s popularity comes at a cost through the pressure it puts on our services and on the people who live and work here all year round. This small new contribution from overnight visitors will help improve the services and public spaces we all depend on, while better managing the effects of tourism and major events.
The levy has also opened the door to exciting new projects right across the city – helping to make Edinburgh a cleaner, greener and more welcoming place. We’ll soon be able to invest more into our many parks and greenspaces, and bring much-loved cultural venues such as the Royal High School and Leith Theatre back into use for the first time in decades – and much more.
“We’ve always said this is a city-wide fund and spending decisions need to be taken with the whole city in mind – and we’re very grateful to Edinburgh’s businesses and residents for their constructive feedback and support throughout the process.
“I’m very aware of how busy the city’s accommodation providers are at this time of year and we’re continuing to do everything we can to support them as the scheme comes into effect.
“This is a big opportunity for us all to work together and enhance Edinburgh’s position as one of the most popular visitor destinations in the world.”
Chair of the Edinburgh Visitor Levy Advisory Forum, Julie Ashworth said: “The Forum is here to continue to put forward the views of the city to ensure they are fairly and accurately represented as the investment projects begin to take shape.
“We all want Edinburgh to remain a world class destination in a way that works for everyone, and the levy is now ready to deliver transformative investment that will protect its unique heritage and support its future success.
“We’ve continued to work closely with Council officers to provide robust feedback on the investment projects and ensure the levy delivers real, visible improvements and supports both the visitor experience and everyday life for residents.
“From revitalised public spaces to better visitor infrastructure and experiences, we’re confident the levy can help Edinburgh stay welcoming, resilient and successful.”
ASSC Demands Fair, Transparent Implementation in Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s visitor levy will take effect from today (24th July), marking the start of what the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) is calling “the real test” for the policy. The launch of the levy comes as new figures confirm that the city is already one of the most expensive in Europe to visit, before the new tax is even added to the bill.
According to the Post Office Travel Money City Costs Barometer 2026, Edinburgh now ranks as the third most expensive city break destination in Europe, behind only Oslo and Copenhagen, and is the most expensive city on the continent for two nights’ accommodation [1]. The findings will add to concerns from the self-catering sector that the levy risks compounding an affordability problem that already sets Edinburgh apart due to its onerous short-term let licensing and planning regime.
While much of the tourism industry opposed the plans, with the ASSC remaining critical of the percentage model, the leading trade body says the focus must shift to implementation, ensuring it is implemented fairly, transparently and with the minimum possible burden on businesses. The Council must be laser-focused on the evidence through honest monitoring and adjusting the charge if the data shows unintended consequences.
From tomorrow, accommodation providers become responsible for collecting the levy – this adds administration, software changes, staff training, and compliance work to businesses that are often small and micro-enterprises.
The ASSC has repeatedly raised concerns that national guidance arrived too late for businesses to prepare with confidence, and that the National Digital Portal does not resolve VAT treatment, booking system compatibility or day-to-day guest communications.
Moreover, the ASSC emphasises that the levy is not simply a charge on overseas tourists. Around 70% of Scotland’s tourism comes from the domestic market, meaning the levy will also be paid by Scottish families, UK visitors, people attending weddings and funerals, those visiting friends and relatives, and people travelling for medical appointments.
The Association is urging the Council to judge the scheme’s success not by how much revenue it raises, but by its impact on visitor numbers, occupancy, spending, employment and Edinburgh’s overall competitiveness. It wants any levy income to fund additional investment in the visitor economy – not to replace existing council spending or fill funding gaps – with full transparency over how every pound is spent.
Fiona Campbell MBE, Chief Executive of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers, commented:“Edinburgh already tops the table as one of the most expensive cities in Europe to stay in and that’s before a single pound of this levy has been charged.
“The real test isn’t the day the levy starts, it’s what happens next. Businesses will readily comply under difficult circumstances, but they need the Council to hold up their end of the bargain with clear guidance, honest monitoring of the evidence, and absolute transparency about where the money goes.
“Overall, we want to see a scheme that is fair, proportionate, transparent and evidence-led, one that supports the visitor economy rather than undermining the businesses that help make Edinburgh one of the world’s great destinations.”
