ASSC Policy Updates – Index Page

In an ever-changing tourism landscape, with increasing legislation, regulations, and business expenses, the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) plays a vital role in advocating for Scotland’s self-catering and short-term let sector.

We work closely with local, Scottish, and UK governments, as well as industry stakeholders, to provide structured advocacy, lobbying, and representation at all levels. This policy page is designed to help members stay informed about key policy developments affecting the industry.

Below, you will find updates categorised for ease of access. Our index covers developments from 2023 onwards, with further updates available back as far as 2015.

Key Policy Areas

Abolition of the Furnished Holiday Lettings (FHL) Tax Regime

• 4^th February 2025 – Abolition of the Furnished Holiday Lettings (FHL) Tax Regime – ASSC and PASC UK: Working Together to Support Members
• 11^th October 2024 – FHL Abolition: Leading Tourism Organisations write to HM Treasury
• 15^th September 2024 – ASSC Submission to HM Treasury: Abolition of FHL Tax Regime
• 4^th September 2024 – The Abolition of the Furnished Holiday Let Tax Regime (FHL) – FAQs
• 19^th August 2024 – ASSC and UK Partners Meet with HM Treasury to discuss FHL Abolition
• 1^st August 2024 – Abolition of the Furnished Holiday Let Tax Regime and Capital Allowances
• 19^th March 2024 – Abolition of the FHL Regime: Urgent Appeal to Scotland’s Self-Catering Community
• 18^th March 2024 – Abolition of Furnished Holiday Let Regime
• 5^th April 2023 – Changes to Furnished Holiday Let Taxation: Implications for Holiday Let Owners

ASSC Survey Results

• 13th February 2025 – Barometer Survey Results Autumn 2024
• 15^th May 2024 – Barometer Survey Results Spring 2024
• 7^th May 2024 – Appeal made to new First Minister as shock survey lays bare dire levels of business confidence in Scotland’s £1bn self-catering industry
• 19^th April 2024 – The Impact of Scottish Government Regulations on Business

Chief Executive Reports

• 28^th October 2024 – ASSC Chief Executive’s Annual Report
• 12^th November 2023 – ASSC Chief Executive Annual Report

Covid Inquiry

• 17^th September 2024 – Covid Enquiry

Economic Impact of Short-term Lets in Scotland: BiGGAR Report

• 12^th December 2024 – Bombshell report shows short-term lets boost Scottish economy by £864m per year – with no evidence of housing impact
• 12^th December 2024 – Economic Impact of Short-Term Lets in Scotland
• 6^th November 2024 – BiGGAR Economic Impact Report: Edinburgh

Energy Performance Certificate Reform

 

• 10^th October 2023 – Scottish Government Energy Performance Certificate Reform Consultation
• 4^th October 2023 – Scottish Government Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Reform: Consultation (ASSC Feedback Survey)

Non-Domestic Rates

• 3^rd February 2025 – Compliance with Non-Domestic Rates Regulations
• August 2024 – Scottish Assessors Non-Domestic Rates Guidance
• 16^th June 2024 – Non-Domestic Rates Annual Declaration in Argyll & Bute
• 1^st November 2024 – Occupancy Declaration Reminder
• 4^th July 2023 – Council Tax for Second and Empty Homes, and Non-Domestic Rates Thresholds Consultation

 

Short-Term Lets Regulations

• 19^th November 2024 – Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee: Short-Term Lets Implementation Update
• 10^th October 2024 – City of Edinburgh Council Short-Term Let Licensing Consultation October 2024 – Submission from the ASSC
• 30^th September 2024 – Evidence Submission to the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee
• 27^th September 2024 – Highland Council Revises Short-Term Let Policy After Legal Review
• 15^th September 2024 – City of Edinburgh Council Policy Implications from NPF4 and City Plan
• 15^th September 2024 – Three Successful Legal Challenges Against City of Edinburgh Council
• 21^st June 2024 – The Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee Consideration of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Short-Term Lets) (Amendment) Order 2024
• 23^rd May 2024 – The Conflation between Planning and Licensing
• 22^nd May 2024 – Written Evidence to Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee
• 13^th February 2024 – ASSC Response to Implementation Update for Short-Term Let Licensing February 2024
• 12^th February 2024 – ASSC Response to Implementation Update for Short-Term Let Licensing
• 6^th December 2024 – Housing and Short-Term Lets in Scotland: The Facts
• 19^th September 2023 – Industry Expert Highlights Ministerial Misinformation on STL Licensing
• 13^th September 2023 – Scottish Parliament Debate – Bid to pause Short-Term Let Licensing Scheme Denied
• 19^th June 2023 – Outstanding Issues Regarding Short-Term Let Regulations
• 20^th February 2023 – ASSC Submits Evidence to Local Government Housing Planning Committee January 2023
• 20^th November 2022 – National Planning Framework

Visitor Levy

• 7th February 2025 – Visitor Levy Developments and Consultations Across Scotland
• 16^th January 2025 – Argyll and Bute Visitor Levy Consultation – Your Voice Matters
• 14^th November 2024 – Highland Visitor Levy on the agenda of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee
• 9^th January 2025 – Visitor Levies Across the UK
• 14^th November 2024 – Highland Visitor Levy on the agenda of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee
• 8^th October 2024 – Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act: Statutory Guidance for Local Authorities and What it Means for Self-Catering Operators
• 29^th May 2024 – Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill – Stage 3 Vote takes place in Scottish Parliament
• 11^th January 2024 – Scottish Government Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill
• 25^th October 2023 – Scottish Government Proposals for Visitor Levy
• 15^th September 2023 – ASSC Response to Local Government, Planning and Housing Committee Call for Views on the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill

 

Other Policy and Industry Reports

30^th January 2025 – External Forces and Sector Fragility: A Policy Perspective on Scotland’s Self-Catering Industry

22^nd January 2025 – Unfair Commercial Practices Guidance: Draft Guidance for the Self-Catering Sector 

9^th December 2024 – Spending Time: The Role of the Visitor Economy in UK Cities

5^th December 2024 – Scottish Budget 2025-2026, Headlines to Non-Domestic Rates Measures and Tourism Policies

10^th November 2024 – Economic and Social Impact of the Self-Catering Sector in Ireland

7^th August 2024 – Regulatory Challenges and Impacts on Hospitality: A Case Study of Scotland’s Self-Catering Sector

11^th December 2024 – A Review of the Impacts of Short-Term Rental Accommodation in Queensland

24^th April 2024 – Tourism Response to the Highly Protected Marine Areas Consultation

Staying Updated

The ASSC remains at the forefront of advocacy, lobbying, and policy engagement, ensuring that self-catering operators are represented at every level. We will continue updating this page with the latest developments.

For more details on any of these topics or to access the latest policy briefings, please visit https://www.assc.co.uk/policies or contact us at communications@assc.co.uk