Perth and Kinross Council has launched a consultation on proposals to introduce a Short-Term Let (STL) Control Area across the local authority — revisiting plans that councillors voted against just last summer.
If approved, the move could have significant implications for local self-catering businesses, many of which are small and family-run enterprises that play an essential role in supporting tourism, jobs, and the wider rural economy.
The Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) urges all operators and those who value local tourism to respond to this important consultation before it closes later this year.
Fiona Campbell MBE, CEO of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers, said:
Fiona Campbell MBE, CEO of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers, said:
“Self-catering plays a vital role in sustaining the local economy, supporting over 1,750 jobs and generating £52m every year across Perth and Kinross. While we support proportionate and evidence-based regulation, there is currently no clear justification for introducing a short-term let control area, a plan rejected by councillors as recently as last summer. The facts are clear: STLs make up a tiny fraction of overall housing stock. They are dwarfed by the numbers of economically inactive empty homes – indeed, there are currently around double the number of empty homes across Perth and Kinross compared to STLs. Rather than scapegoating small and micro businesses, we need to focus on the real solutions: tackling long-term empty properties, addressing second homes, and accelerating housing delivery. Déjà vu might strike due to yet another consultation, but we urge anyone who values local tourism to make their voices heard before the exercise closes later this year. As always, the ASSC stands ready to work with Perth and Kinross Council for a balanced policy that protects both communities and local economies.”
The ASSC will be submitting a formal response in due course and continues to advocate for fair, proportionate, and evidence-based regulation that recognises the importance of Scotland’s self-catering sector to local economies.
📣 Have your say: The consultation is now open – we strongly encourage all local operators and stakeholders to take part and share their views.