TOURISTS arriving in Scotland on cruise ships are set to be slapped with extra tax under new laws. The SNP has revealed plans to introduce a new tax on cruise ships in an effort to win support from the Scottish Greens for their budget. 1 Thousands of tourists visit Scotland on cruise ships every year Credit: Alamy The new levy would be brought in sometime over the next 18 months before the 2026 Holyrood election if it is approved.
Finance Secretary Shona Robison said work on the tax - which was pledged in the Programme for Government last month - is "intensifying" at a Holyrood debate yesterday. It comes after the tax was not included in the visitor levy legislation that was introduced earlier this year. The legislation would allow local councils to decide the charge and then keep any proceeds.
READ MORE IN TRAVEL FLY HIGH Flight attendant reveals CHEAPEST month to book flights for summer holiday FLYING VISIT I went to Brussels for 24 hours - it was cheaper than a day out in Edinburgh And this, in turn, could help take off some of the pressure on each of their budgets. Ministers have met with interested parties, including councils, to discuss the tax in round-table discussions. This is a popular idea with some local councils.
.. It would boost local council coffers making cash available to increase infrastructure investment in localities A minister And a formal consultation is set to be published and shared with the public in the coming months.
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