Fury as a major UK city to introduce £5 per night tourist tax

A major UK city is all set to introduce a new tourist tax asking people to pay five per cent of the cost of a hotel room, B&B, AirBnB or hostels per night. Glasgow, one of the major cities in Scotland is likely to implement the tax from January 25, 2027, it has been reported.

The new tax at around £5 per night is projected to generate approximately £16 million annually for the city, with visitors expected to pay an average fee of £4.83. The revenue will be directed toward enhancing public services-such as street cleaning, revitalising landmarks, and upgrading parks-to benefit both residents and tourists. The decision was approved by the councillors at the city administration committee last week.

Speaking out against the tax following the decision was Reform councillor Thomas Kerr, reports The Scottish Sun.

The party also hit out on social media saying: "Glasgow City Council approves tourist tax - even for locals!"

Mr Kerr added on X: "I've never believed a tourist tax was the right policy for Glasgow. This tax risks pricing out families, hurting local B&Bs and deterring muchneeded tourism just as our city recovers. The council is skint, but penalising guests isn't the answer."

Hitting back at Reform's comments, Scottish Labour's MSP fro Glasgow Paul Sweeney said: "I have only ever stayed overnight in a hotel in Glasgow once - it was for an assessment centre for the BAE graduate scheme. I didn't pay for it.

"How many Glaswegians are staying over at a hotel in the city they live in? A completely ridiculous argument."

Scottish Greens MSP for Glasgow, Patrick Harvie said: "Glasgow is a global city, drawing visitors from all over the world.

"But we have seen how over-tourism can damage communities, like in Venice and Barcelona, where the residents end up paying the price.

"The tourist tax is vital to delivering sustainable tourism where local residents feel the benefit of our tourism and events sectors.

"I'm delighted that Glasgow is continuing to benefit from Green policy in action."