Non-Domestic Rates Rates Revaluation 2023

“Assessors’ offices across Scotland are currently preparing for the non-domestic revaluation which comes into effect on 1 April 2023.

A key part of a revaluation is the ingathering and analysis of information in order that rateable values are set as accurately as possible.

Accordingly, Assessors are issuing information requests, known as Assessors Information Notices (AINs), across the country. It is imperative that AINs are responded to, regardless of whether the property is receiving rates relief or not.

Where recipients have difficulty in responding, they should contact their local Assessor’s office without delay, particularly given that non responders are subject to a civil penalty, the amount of which can rise to very significant levels.”

Gary Bennet, President, Scottish Assessors Association

Do not worry if you have not received a form as yet – Assessors are not sending them to every subject. If one arrives, it is important that you return it with the most accurate data you can provide. If you don’t receive on, don’t worry.

The Council Tax (Dwellings and Part Residential Subjects) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2021 (legislation.gov.uk)

These regulations relate to the requirement that, to be classed as self-catering holiday accommodation, premises must be let for a period of at least 70 days in the financial year (in addition to the existing requirement that the premises be available for letting for 140 days or more).

Find out more, including Frequently Asked Questions.

More information can be found at www.saa.gov.uk.

 

Scottish Tourism Leadership Programme (STLP)

The Scottish Tourism Leadership Programme is part of ten programmes announced by the First Minister in support of the Tourism Recovery Plan. It was developed to support business and community-led tourism enterprises to take the lead in driving recovery in those places across Scotland which depend on visitor spend to create and support jobs and in many rural areas, to retain important local services and encourage entrepreneurship along the way.

Delivered across Scotland, STLP, which is a competitive application process, offers high-quality, accredited leadership training and ongoing professional development, giving individuals the opportunity to:

  • Develop personal leadership skills and expertise
  • Gain insight from fellow participants and learn from industry and destination experts
  • Become part of a growing national network of people working together to develop innovative tourism opportunities

The courses being delivered as part of this programme include:

  • Introduction to Tourism Leadership being led by Scottish Enterprise and delivered by Edinburgh Napier University. Eight courses will run throughout 2021/22, some of which will be customised around specialist sub-sectors and in line with our Business Plan ambitions to work more intensively in some regions.
  • Communities Leading in Tourism an online personal development programme led by Highlands and Islands Enterprise helping communities shape the future of local tourism. This is available on a pan Scotland basis and although the first cohort is now closed to applicants, individuals can register their interest for the second pan Scotland cohort today.
  • The Destination Leaders Programme, a fully funded course being led by Edinburgh Napier on behalf of the STLP *partners, brings together like-minded individuals to gain the knowledge and skills to work effectively as a destination leader by learning about international best practice, insights and networks. It is open to individuals from tourism businesses and organisations across Scotland with a key and active role in the business.
    Three cohorts will be delivered across Scotland, starting in October 2021, with the application process now open.

Cohort 1 – Glasgow and Edinburgh – commencing 27th October

Cohort 2 – Aberdeen and Dundee

Cohort 3 – Pan Scotland

All courses are supported by the Scottish Government and are being offered free of charge to participants.

*STLP partners include Scottish Enterprise, Highlands & Islands Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise and Skills Development Scotland

ASSC New Updated Cleaning Protocols: Self-Caterers Welcome Clarity on COVID-19 Restrictions

ASSC New Updated Cleaning Protocols

Self-Caterers Welcome Clarity on COVID-19 Restrictions

The Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers has welcomed updated Scottish Government guidance on keeping guests safe during COVID-19.

By working proactively with policy-makers, the ASSC has clarified the self-catering sector’s approach to its cleaning protocols and specifically what operators should do if a guest tests positive while staying with them.

Included in the revamped safeguards will be compliance with new Public Health Scotland guidance for non-health and care settings, with updated guidance on physical distancing and face coverings, whether properties should be left fallow between guests and laundry and utensil care.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, ASSC members have behaved in an exemplary way; adhering to all restrictions, often encountering heavy and lasting personal costs while doing so.

In welcoming these new, updated, measures it is the ASSC’s hope that they will provide the necessary room to manoeuvre for businesses across the sector and will allow for more guests to enjoy a safe break in some of the most beautiful parts of the country.

As the trade body representing Scotland’s vital self-catering sector, the ASSC will continue to work constructively with government, and all other stakeholders, to help the sector recover and to secure a positive future for the thousands of people who make their living by creating memory-making holidays, both for Scots and those who visit our country.

Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers Chief Executive, Fiona Campbell, said:

“All of us at the ASSC are delighted to have worked with the Scottish Government, Public Health Scotland, and Infection Prevention and Control to create these more streamlined, common sense, and flexible rules as we prepare to get back to business.

“It is our hope that this will be the start of a continued loosening of restrictions and provision of support that will help save our sector from the real danger it has faced throughout the pandemic.

“Our partners can be assured that the ASSC stands ready, willing, and able to help strike the right balance between the valued safety of our customers and the freedom to operate that our businesses need.”

2021 Cleaning Protocols V5