Edinburgh's tourism firm is fined for failing to file accounts - and you pick up the bill
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Last year, Marketing Edinburgh was fined £1500 of Edinburgh taxpayers’ money for failing to submit its annual accounts to Companies House - and has now cost taxpayers another £1500 by failing to do so this year.
In October, the council agreed to transfer all assets and current staff to the council, effectively taking complete control and responsibility for the previously arms-length company and the marketing of the capital.
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Hide AdTourism earnings are seen as more vital than ever as the Capital tries to recover from the global pandemic.
READ MORE: New report warns Edinburgh has to 'work harder' this year if it is to cash-in on tourists
Conservative councillor Andrew Johnston said: “Two years in a row taxpayers have been left to pay fines because this organisation can't or is unable to get it's affairs in order.
“This is despite the UK Government allowing all limited companies an extra three months to file accounts, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“With each passing month the SNP-Labour administration's decision to slash funding to Marketing Edinburgh looks more and more flawed.
“Now is the time that Edinburgh desperately needs to market itself to a global audience yet we have been left with a husk of an organisation that is costing money rather than generating income for our beleaguered tourist industry.
“The councillors involved need to explain what has gone so badly wrong.”
READ MORE: Marketing Edinburgh: Councillors face serious questions about its closure – John McLellan
The day after being contacted by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Marketing Edinburgh updated the address and names of the directors of the company, but still has not filed its annual accounts as it is required to do.
The new directors are: Edinburgh councillors Mandy Watt, Labour; Claire Miller, Green Party; and Kate Campbell, SNP.
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Hide AdA Marketing Edinburgh spokesperson said: “Marketing Edinburgh is in the final stages of finalising its accounts and will be filing shortly.
“This year has been challenging for all businesses and going forward we anticipate a return to less trying circumstances.”
An Edinburgh City Council spokesperson said: “An automatic fine will be applied and this will be paid by Marketing Edinburgh.”
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