Local MSP Brian Whittle has criticised the Scottish Government after it began a consultation on licensing short-term lets, just months after dropping plans for similar regulations ahead of May’s election.
The Scottish Conservative MSP has called for the SNP to ditch the consultation, which is due to end on the 13th of August, saying it risks creating unnecessary bureaucracy for small businesses instead of helping them to recover from the effects of the pandemic.
B&B owners and small businesses running short-term holiday lets across Scotland have raised concerns about the proposals. While there have been concerns from local residents in parts of Edinburgh and other prime tourist destinations about excessive numbers of properties being used for short term lets, many small business owners in other parts of Scotland feel their being targeted unfairly.
Brian says the SNP are “using a sledgehammer to crack a walnut” and putting livelihoods at risk as a result.
Brian Whittle MSP said: “Considering they ditched the same idea just before the election, the SNP’s decision to resurrect plans for extra regulation of short-term lets, just as we’re beginning to see a route to recovery from the pandemic, is baffling.
I can understand why some communities have concerns about having a disproportionate number of short-term lets in them, but blanketing the entire industry in more bureaucracy to deal with that is using a sledgehammer to crack a walnut.
Small hospitality businesses are a vital part of our tourism sector but instead of supporting them to recover, the SNP are doing the opposite.
I’m firmly opposed to these plans which would harm local business and put jobs at risk.
I’d encourage everyone who might be affected by these plans to join me in speaking up and help to make sure the SNP understand the mistake they’re making.”
