Cruise ship levy an important step for climate and local services
The introduction of a cruise ship levy will be a crucial step for our environment and for local councils, says Scottish Green MSP Ariane Burgess, who is her party’s local government spokesperson.
Ms Burgess was responding to the launch of a Scottish Government consultation on the introduction of a levy, which was secured by the Scottish Greens in 2023 and announced at their party conference by co-leader Lorna Slater.
Ms Burgess said:
“A levy on polluting cruise ships is an important step for our climate and for local government. It will make a big difference for port communities across Scotland, from Ullapool to Greenock, Kirkwall to Edinburgh, Stornoway to Rosyth.
“Cruise ships are one of the dirtiest and most polluting forms of travel, and it is right that we tax them.
“The tourism that these ships bring can have a lot of benefits, but we also know that it can put a lot of pressure on the local environment, infrastructure and services.
“By allowing local authorities to apply a levy they can ensure that local people are not left picking up the bill and that they see a direct benefit from visiting ships.
"We need to ensure that councils have the powers they need to raise funds and deliver change in their communities.
"That is why the Scottish Greens worked to secure a funding increase for local authorities as part of this year’s Budget and why we delivered powers for them to double council tax for second and holiday homes."