New Police Unit Funded by Tourist Tax
Edinburgh is allocating funds raised from its tourist tax to support a new city centre police unit. The Police Scotland City Centre Policing Unit (CCPU) will consist of one inspector, three sergeants, and 45 constables.
The annual staffing cost for the unit is projected to be £2.78 million, with £1 million of this funded by the visitor levy, which is set to commence on 24 July. The Edinburgh City Council anticipates generating approximately £50 million from a 5% fee imposed on hotels, bed and breakfasts, and self-catering accommodations.
The establishment of the CCPU aims to alleviate pressure on frontline officers in other parts of the city and provide enhanced support for planned events in the city centre.
Additional Uses of Tourist Tax Revenue
In February, the council approved a £5 million allocation from the tourist tax revenue to construct nearly 500 affordable homes, addressing Edinburgh's housing emergency. Further investments are planned for public spaces and parks throughout the city, alongside cultural heritage projects including the Royal High School and Leith Theatre.
Police Scotland's Role and Collaboration
Police Scotland has indicated that the increased presence of officers in the city centre will enable the Edinburgh Division to concentrate efforts on other neighbourhoods. The CCPU officers will collaborate with specialist units such as the Retail Crime Taskforce and the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit to tackle specific crimes within the city centre.
Ch Supt David Robertson, divisional commander for Edinburgh, stated: "Our partners at the City of Edinburgh Council have recognised the importance of having a dedicated policing team to serve the specific needs of the city-centre. With the Edinburgh International Festival and Fringe only a few short weeks away the CCPU will have to hit the ground running."
Council culture and communities convener, Margaret Graham, added: "By working closely with our partners at Police Scotland, we're ensuring that the people who live, work and visit Edinburgh feel safer and better supported."
Related Information
Additional stories from Edinburgh, Fife & East include coverage on the city's housing emergency and the introduction of Scotland's first tourist tax.
