The SNP’s short-term lets (STL) policy is “seriously detrimental” to the tourism sector, Scottish Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser has warned, in a letter to economy, fair work and culture secretary Neil Gray.
The Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) has pointed to estimates by the economic consultants Biggar that the policy could cost £133million and more than 7,000 jobs. In a survey the ASSC conducted, 61% of some 1,200 small accommodation providers who responded said that they were considering leaving the sector within the next year.
It has also written to Paul McLennan MSP, the minister directly responsible, with a list of more than a dozen measures that could mitigate the damaging effects of the policy, when it becomes operational in October. All were rejected.
Murdo Fraser points out, in his letter to Neil Gray, that while nominally a housing issue, the STL’s licensing requirements and other restrictions will have serious “negative impacts on tourism and the wider Scottish economy for years to come”.
He pointed to the expense and bureaucracy, the significant backlog in licensing applications and the impact on tourism – with a reduced number of places for visitors to stay, and a significant loss of income for Scots, particularly in rural areas.
Scottish Conservative shadow secretary for business, economic growth and tourism Murdo Fraser MSP said: “This policy has not just imposed costs on homeowners and curtailed their incomes during a cost of living crisis, it endangers the wider Scottish economy by restricting the accommodation available for tourists and those visiting for other reasons.
“Some of the motives behind the plan are well-intentioned, but it has been badly thought out and risks becoming seriously detrimental, particularly for businesses and jobs in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
“It is typical of the SNP government’s refusal to listen to those significant concerns that the minister responsible should have dismissed all suggestions for improving the measures out of hand.
“That shows that they were never serious about ‘resetting their relationship with business’.
“I’ve written to Neil Gray to point out this policy affects much more than housing and will have negative impacts on tourism and the wider Scottish economy for years to come.
“He and his ministerial colleagues must engage with those affected as a matter of urgency, and amend their plans.”