Recent Parliamentary Questions pertaining to Short-Term Let Licensing:
S6W-18245: Miles Briggs, Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 23/05/2023
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to reports that changes to short-term lets legislation is causing rising costs for accommodation in Edinburgh (a) in general and (b) during the Edinburgh festivals.
Current Status: Expected Answer date 08/06/2023
S6W-18118: Jamie Greene, West Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 19/05/2023
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to comments by the chief executive of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers, reported on 11 May 2023, that short-term lets licensing in Edinburgh constitutes a “de facto ban” on small holiday let operators, “in favour of big business”.
Current Status: Expected Answer date 06/06/2023
S6W-17211: Jackie Baillie, Dumbarton, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 28/04/2023
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers survey from March 2023, which reported that 39% of respondents will be leaving the self-catering sector due to short-term let licensing, and how many businesses in Scotland it estimates will close as a consequence of short-term let licensing.
Answered by Paul McLennan (12/05/2023): I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-17222 on 4 May 2023. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers
McLennan’s answer to that PQ was as follows: Short-term let licensing and powers to designate control areas allow local authorities to strike a balance between the economic benefits of short-term lets and the needs and concerns of communities in their areas. It is for local authorities to use the powers available to them to achieve the right balance in their areas recognising the need for a thriving tourist economy, as well as having sufficient homes for people to live in. The short-term let licensing scheme will ensure that all short-term lets in Scotland comply with basic safety standards. Many hosts will already be following these standards as a matter of compliance with existing law or best practice. We do not consider them to be onerous. Whether someone is sharing their own home or letting a portfolio of properties, in rural Skye or in central Edinburgh, safety matters.
S6W-17212: Jackie Baillie, Dumbarton, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 20/04/2023
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will consider a review of the short-term lets regulatory framework to meet the policy objectives of short-term let licensing in a manner that will not damage the tourism sector, as proposed by the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers.
Answered by Paul McLennan: The Scottish Government recognises and values the importance of tourism to the Scottish economy and local communities, but it is important we take action now to ensure all short-term lets comply with basic safety standards which many hosts will already be following as a matter of compliance with existing law or best practice. Many hosts have applied for, and obtained a licence, and we encourage those yet to do so to apply well in advance of the extended deadline.
We have committed to review short-term licensing and an update will be provided to the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee on the timings and scope of the review in due course.
We are not waiting for the licensing review to take action, and have already demonstrated we have been responsive to concerns raised by businesses, by engaging with licensing authorities to discuss areas of concern such as floor plan requirements. We will continue to work with stakeholders to monitor the ongoing implementation of the scheme, and respond to facilitate common processes where possible to do so.
We did consider alternatives to licensing as part of our 2019 consultation and as legislation was being developed, including registration proposals put forward by the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers. Registration does not offer the same protections to guests, neighbours and local communities as licensing does. To be robust and effective, a registration scheme would need to make much the same requirements as the licensing scheme does.
S6W-17222: Liam McArthur, Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats, Date Lodged: 19/04/2023
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the April 2023 SkyeConnect survey, which reportedly found that 10% of self-catering or bed and breakfast businesses will close due to short-term let licensing, and that a further 20% are considering leaving the sector, and what impact it anticipates this could have on the availability of tourism accommodation in island communities.
Answered by Paul McLennan: Short-term let licensing and powers to designate control areas allow local authorities to strike a balance between the economic benefits of short-term lets and the needs and concerns of communities in their areas. It is for local authorities to use the powers available to them to achieve the right balance in their areas recognising the need for a thriving tourist economy, as well as having sufficient homes for people to live in.
The short-term let licensing scheme will ensure that all short-term lets in Scotland comply with basic safety standards. Many hosts will already be following these standards as a matter of compliance with existing law or best practice. We do not consider them to be onerous. Whether someone is sharing their own home or letting a portfolio of properties, in rural Skye or in central Edinburgh, safety matters.
S6W-17221: Liam McArthur, Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats, Date Lodged: 19/04/2023
To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many businesses (a) have closed and (b) are considering closing as a result of short-term let licensing.Answered by Paul McLennan: The Scottish Government does not hold information on businesses that have closed, or are considering closing as a result of the short-term let licensing scheme. Existing hosts, those operating before 1 October 2022, have until 1 October 2023 to apply for a licence and can continue operating whilst their application is being determined.