@ASSCnews has written to the @scottishgreens with an invitation to work together on short-term let regulatory reform. We welcome scrutiny of the current system. We also believe that scrutiny must lead to practical solutions. Our members have invested time and money in licensing, yet established, licensed businesses face uncertainty through inconsistent planning decisions. Meanwhile, some unlicensed operators continue to trade, undermining those who have worked to comply. We have consistently called for licensing and planning to be separated, alongside a dedicated planning category for self-catering through a new Use Classes Order. We need fair arrangements for established businesses, clear rules and effective enforcement. We recognise the importance of addressing housing pressures and sustaining communities. We also recognise the contribution self-catering makes to those communities, supporting jobs, local businesses and Edinburgh’s Festivals. We have requested a meeting with the Scottish Greens to explore common ground and help resolve the impasse between the @Edinburgh_CC and the @scotgov. We are ready to turn that dialogue into workable reform. Read our open letter: assc.co.uk/news/assc-publish… #SelfCatering #ScottishTourism #RegulatoryReform #ASSC @st_alliance @scothospgroup @ScotTories @ScottishLabour @scotlibdems @Scot_Reform

The @ASSCnews wholeheartedly backs the @heraldscotland’s 'Reset the Rates' campaign. Self-caterers across Scotland opened their rates bills this year to increases they never saw coming, with many seeing their valuations more than double when nothing about their business had changed. These are small family businesses, often one or two properties run by people who live in the community, and they cannot just pass rises like that onto guests. A national assessor would end the lottery of where in Scotland you happen to operate, and protection against sudden, unaffordable jumps would let people plan ahead instead of wondering whether they can carry on. Visitors don’t just stay in a self-catering property; they help fill the local pub and provide footfall for local shops and restaurants. All of that depends on the people hosting them staying in business. Thanks to @ScottWWright for highlighting this critical issue. assc.co.uk/news/assc-backs-t… @MCrothall @SMontgomerySHG @st_alliance @scothospgroup @FSB_Scotland @ukhscotland