The Scottish Government have today published their revised legislation to establish short-term let licensing.
A consultation report and updated Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment have been released as part of their plans. The government’s press release can be accessed here: https://www.gov.scot/news/licensing-short-term-lets/
In terms of the next steps, the regulations will now have to be approved by MSPs at the Scottish Parliament, including at committee level. The ASSC will continue to engage with MSPs and the government in the weeks ahead and we will endeavour to keep you updated with all relevant developments.
In response to today’s news, Fiona Campbell, the Chief Executive of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers, released the following comment:
“We are very disappointed that the Scottish Government are pressing ahead with these onerous and ill-considered regulations which will damage Scotland’s vital tourism sector at a time when we should be supporting small businesses to recover from Covid-19.”
“The ASSC have always strived to ensure a balanced and proportionate approach and get a regulatory framework in place that works for all. Our proposals for a mandatory registration scheme with health and safety provisions not only have the support of business and tourism stakeholders but have cross-party political support – with the exclusion of the Scottish Greens.”
“The legislation still has to be approved by parliament and we look forward to engaging with MSPs in the weeks ahead to ensure we find a solution that protects jobs and livelihoods in Scotland’s £867m self-catering sector.”