Friday June 26th 2026
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Sarah Hilley
Money raised from Glasgow’s new tourist tax could be spent on night buses or the set-up of new publicly operated ones, according to a city councillor.
Councillor Jon Molyneux made the comment after the city’s treasurer Ricky Bell confirmed the visitor levy is still on track to launch in January and plans are progressing “well”.
The treasurer was responding to a question from Councillor Molyneux who called for money raised from the levy to go on transport with the scheme expected to bring in about £16 million per year.
After asking for an update on the levy, Councillor Molyneux said the money raised should be used in a strategic way to benefit residents as well as businesses.
The Scottish Greens co leader said the funding of municipal buses and night buses should be looked at.
SNP councillor Bell agreed money “should be used for the strategic benefit of the city”.
He said night buses are “worth exploring”, adding that although it would be “nice” to have a publicly run bus service the visitor levy funds would not cover that.
The visitor levy, which is due to be introduced on January 25, will see people charged five per cent on overnight stays.
Speaking at today’s full council meeting, Councillor Bell said he couldn’t commit to any use of the funding currently due to consultation with providers.
Providing Councillor Molyneux with an update on the rollout of the scheme, he said a small team are being created to administer the levy and there are discussions with hotels to make sure they are ready.
Also responding to a query from Councillor Molyneux about the work of the visitor levy forum, councillor Bell said two meetings have taken place with information provided to participants. The Visitor Levy Forum is a group made up of representatives from industry, businesses and communities to provide advice to the council relating to the scheme.
The scheme applies to a range of businesses including hotels, B&Bs, self catering accommodation and hostels.
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