Rachael Hamilton MSP has called on the Scottish Government to delay the introduction of new regulations on short term lets following the Covid-19 pandemic.
Following months of uncertainty, a lack of grant funding and new restrictions, the short term let industry, which includes self-catering properties and holiday cottages, has struggled through the challenging times.
With many in the sector experiencing hardship, the Borders MSP wants to see a ‘reprieve’ in the implementation of new regulations to give the industry a chance to recover in the coming years.
The Scottish Government regulations, if passed by Parliament, would come into force by April 2021. These would also give councils powers to manage pressures created by the use of whole properties as short-term lets.
These powers, whilst welcome by some councils, such as Edinburgh City Council would create short-term let control areas to deal with housing pressures, Mrs Hamilton believes now is not the time for a Scotland-wide blanket licensing scheme.
Industry representatives, such as the Association of Scottish Self-Caterers have written to Kevin Stewart, Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning, urging for a delay given the plans could “cripple” the industry further.
Despite this, new Scottish Government guidance for Christmas allows a bubble meet to in self-catered accommodation for a Christmas gathering, but only in the local authority area in which where the member of a bubble lives.
Mrs Hamilton believes that whilst this will bring some income for short term lets, the outlook still looks uncertain, with restrictions on travel set to continue well into next year.
Rachael Hamilton MSP said:
“The tourism industry needs to be protected and supported as it tries to recover from the impact of coronavirus, not faced with more regulation.
“It is important to successfully manage short term lets in the future and we support this issue coming back on the table when the tourism industry isn’t so strained.
“Short term let zones are an important addition in areas experiencing a housing shortage crisis, but a nationwide licensing scheme would be a bureaucratic burden on the Borders, especially when the industry is currently struggling.
“Many have faced hardship throughout the Covid pandemic with widespread cancellations especially due to restrictions on travel and household mixing.
“With Christmas coming up, this year won’t see as many taking Christmas breaks in self-catering short term let accommodation given the narrow window for travel”.