Holyrood committee proceeds with tightening of regulations for self-catering sector
A Scottish Parliament Committee voted yesterday [3 February] to introduce a licensing system for the regulation of short-term lets. The Local Government and Communities Committee voted in favour of the licensing system four to three despite concerns raised by the STA and the ASSC in relation to both the timing and the mechanisms of the proposed legislation.
Housing Minister, Kevin Stewart MSP told MSPs that he would consider “further refinements” to the proposals, working with industry organisations and local authorities in light of the number of concerns raised by groups, particularly B&B operators who have been included in the legislation.
The STA issued the below media statement as a response to the Committee’s announcement:
“Today’s Committee vote on the Short Term Let (STL) legislation proposal is hugely disappointing for the self-catering sector, B&Bs and many in the wider tourism economy. The Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA) has been involved in the consultation from its early stages, having had many meetings with the Scottish Government over the last few years to ensure that any proposed legislation does not constrain operators in a way that impacts our industry’s ability to provide a tourism product in line with today’s traveller expectations. The significant contribution to the economy by those that make up the STL sector must not be underestimated or undervalued.
The STA has in principle, been supportive of legislation, shaped by the industry for regulation of the Short Term Lets sector, however, the mechanisms outlined within the proposed legislation as they stand could have a detrimental effect on much of the sector; today’s decision may now result in businesses owners operating in the self-catering, B&B sectors and Airbnb hosts electing to close their doors once the legislation is enforced. Loss of these types of businesses will potentially result in there being a cumulative negative economic impact and Scotland’s tourism product offer being weakened.
We do however welcome Mr Stewart’s concession that he is prepared to consider further refinements to the current plans through a working group comprised of industry and local authority voices and look forward to prompt engagement to ensure that the concerns of Scotland’s tourism industry are fairly represented in such proposals.”
You can download the minutes from the Committee meeting here.
The official report from the meeting will be available by 6pm tomorrow here.
