The Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA) has published a Fact Sheet that was recently sent to the new First Minister and his Cabinet colleagues. It was also shared ahead of the Roundtable Business Breakfast with Douglas Ross that took place today and will be more widely distributed among all MSPs.
The STA strongly supports the calls made by the Association of Scotland’s Self- Caterers (ASSC) that the Scottish Government should reconsider the burdensome Short-Term Let Licensing Scheme.
The STL scheme is the one of greatest issues facing the Scottish tourism sector, with 83% of respondents to our recent Business Barometer and Energy Survey citing it as challenge for their business.
In this extended period of registration, it is vitally important there is a recognition that a reset is needed concerning how local authorities are applying the policy, so we have consistency, proportionality, and fairness. And importantly, to prevent further loss of many excellent and experienced operators and businesses from our product portfolio.
Moffat Centre for Travel and Tourism Business Development at Glasgow Caledonian University recently reported that over three-quarters (77.5%) of accommodation operators feel the scheme is a significant or medium threat to their business.
Participants in the study also highlighted that the licensing legislation has no clear purpose, with confusion as to whether it aims to ensure health and safety standards or address housing challenges.
In addition, the Scottish Government must ensure that new consultation proposals on tax changes to second and empty homes do not have any unintended consequences for the self-catering sector.
