Advocacy in action: what the ASSC is doing for members right now (April 2026 Update)

9th April 2026

The Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) continues to work at pace across multiple regulatory and policy fronts to protect, support and strengthen Scotland’s self-catering sector.

Below is a summary of the key live workstreams we are actively progressing on behalf of members.

1. Non-Domestic Rates (NDR): Reform, Relief and Ongoing Support

Having secured sector-specific transitional reliefs and a reduction in Rateable Values (RVs) across Scotland through changes to the self-catering Practice Note, our focus has shifted to both implementation and further reform.

Our ongoing work includes:

• Issuing detailed guidance on Rateable Values (RVs) and appeals processes
• Supporting access to the Small Business Bonus Scheme (SBBS)
• Advising on transitional relief mechanisms
• Providing practical support to operators facing removal from NDR due to evidential challenges
• Providing direct support to members being asked to supply evidence beyond statutory requirements, including challenging disproportionate and intrusive requests (such as bank statements and detailed financial data).

Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers guidance

Looking ahead, we will pursue further changes to the rating methodology and seek Scottish Government intervention following the election to ensure a fair, transparent and sustainable system for self-catering businesses.

2. Escalating Water Charges Linked to RV Increases

We are addressing significant increases in water charges, directly linked to higher Rateable Values.

This is placing:

• Disproportionate financial pressure on operators
• Additional strain alongside wider regulatory changes

Our action:

• Engaging with relevant agencies and decision-makers
• Building a robust evidence base from members
• Challenging the fairness and proportionality of current charging structures

3. Occupancy Evidence Requests: Challenging Regulatory Overreach

We are supporting operators dealing with evidence requests that go beyond statutory requirements in relation to annual occupancy declarations.

The legislation is clear:

• 140 nights available
• 70 nights let

However, some assessors are requesting excessive documentation, including financial records and bank statements, which are not required by law.

Our action:

• Providing clear guidance
• Challenging disproportionate and unlawful requests
• Advocating for consistent interpretation of the regulations

4. STL Licence Renewals: Inconsistency and Scope Creep

We are actively addressing growing concerns around Short-Term Let licence renewals, including:

• Inconsistent approaches between local authorities
• Introduction of new requirements at renewal stage
• Introduction of planning requirements outwith Planning Control Areas
• Lack of transparency and predictability

STL Licence Renewal Survey

Our action:

• Gathering evidence from operators
• Identifying systemic issues
• Challenging 2026 guidance
• Pressing for clearer national guidance and consistency

5. Planning Control Areas: Evidence vs Assumption

We continue to challenge policy that is not grounded in evidence.

Recent FOI findings demonstrate:

• No measurable housing impact from Control Areas in Highlands or Edinburgh

Read more

We are also exploring and supporting legal challenge pathways where appropriate.

Legal update and next steps

6. Visitor Levy: From Legislative Success to Practical Delivery

Following our successful work in shaping and securing the passage of the Visitor Levy Amendment legislation, we are now focused on implementation and guidance.

More on the legislation

Our current work includes:

• Contributing to draft Visitor Levy guidance for local authorities
• Advocating for consistency in how the levy is applied across Scotland

Our priority: making sure the legislation translates into a system that works in practice for both operators and local authorities.

7. Political Engagement Ahead of Elections

With elections approaching, we are ensuring the sector is visible, understood and represented.

Having developed clear policy asks and manifesto priorities, our ongoing work includes:

• Engaging directly with candidates and political parties
• Representing members at public forums and hustings

Recent engagement

In Summary

Our work remains focused on:

• Fixing what is not working
• Defending the sector with evidence
• Shaping better policy for the future

We are not only responding to challenges, but actively driving reform to ensure Scotland’s self-catering sector is treated fairly, proportionately and sustainably.

Support our advocacy work

This advocacy is only possible through ASSC membership and contributions to our Advocacy Fund.

If you are not currently a member, joining strengthens our collective voice and ensures you are represented on the issues shaping the future of self-catering.

If membership is not right for you at this time, you can still support our work by donating to the ASSC Advocacy Fund.

👉 Join the ASSC or support our advocacy work here