Tuesday August 11th 2026
Glasgow skyline
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Catherine Hunter
Glasgow’s tourist tax must work for everyone according to a local councillor who is urging the city council to invest more in public safety measures.
Councillor Paul Carey (BEM) says that the council should “think bigger” on how the money made from the Visitor Levy Scheme, which will launch in January 2027 and apply to all hotels, hostels, guest houses, bed and breakfasts and self-catering accommodation is used.
He says the money should be used for more street lighting, safer routes home, and managed taxi ranks to make sure people, especially women, feel safe going home late at night.
Councillor Carey said: “I fully support our pubs, restaurants, clubs, theatres and music venues.
“They are a huge part of what makes Glasgow, and they provide thousands of jobs.
“We also need to listen to what people – particularly women – are saying about getting home at night.
“For many women I speak to, the biggest concern isn’t the price of the bus. It is feeling safe.
“A cheaper bus fare doesn’t necessarily make someone feel comfortable getting off at midnight and then walking home from a bus stop. For some, paying more for a taxi is worth it because it takes them directly to their front door.
“So if we want people to enjoy Glasgow at night, we need to think about the whole journey home.
“That means better lighting, safer walking routes, properly managed taxi ranks, reliable late-night taxis and private-hire cars, and visible community safety measures around busy transport hubs.
“It also means thinking about the people who keep Glasgow running while the rest of us are asleep.
“Hospitality workers, cleaners, security staff, healthcare workers and many others can finish shifts at 1am, 2am or even later.
“They need to know they can get home safely and reliably. Glasgow needs a boost. That is another reason I believe we need to think bigger about how this money is spent.”
The visitor levy has already been subjected to considerable public and industry consultation.
During the consultation, there were a range of suggested projects that could be funded by the scheme.
The three areas identified during the consultation and agreed by committee were city operations and infrastructure, culture and events and destination marketing and management.
A spokesman for the city council said: “As the councillor will be aware, a significant consultation process on how the proceeds of any levy should be used took place last year, with the results reported to the City Administration Committee.”
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