FMQs 02-10-25: Lothian Tory MSP Sue Webber asks John Swinney to intervene over the Visitor Levy in Edinburgh because of what she said were "shambolic" preparations
00:00First Minister, the visitor levy came into effect in Edinburgh yesterday, yet the final guidance for businesses was only published last week.
00:09The owner of Lynnwater Caravan Park has contacted me, stating that accommodation providers are reporting to me that booking systems have been unable to adapt in time, particularly to the five-night rule,
00:21meaning that small operators now face the choice of applying the five-percent levy incorrectly to all nights or inputting it manually for every booking.
00:31This is creating significant risks of error, bank refund fees and an extra administrative burden that small businesses can ill afford.
00:39First Minister, I believe it is unreasonable to expect these businesses to request the redesign of global booking systems and processes in just a few working days,
00:48especially when they have been seeking clarity from the Council since July.
00:53What support can the Scottish Government offer to those businesses during this transition period?
00:58First Minister.
01:00President, Parliament legislated for the visitor levy scheme and legislated for it on the basis that it would be designed and taken forward
01:08and administered at local level by individual local authorities.
01:12So the issues that Sue Webber raises with me are a matter for the City of Edinburgh Council under the Visitor Levy Scotland Act.
01:21And I think it's important that we respect the local autonomy of local authorities.
01:26I'm indeed, I'm often, I'm often encouraged by the Conservatives to respect local autonomy by our local authorities.
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