Meeting of the Parliament 13 September 2023
Thank you. I apologise to the minister as I am not permitted to take his further intervention, but we will hear from him in a moment.
No one in this debate is opposed to sensible and proportionate regulation, but what is being introduced by the Scottish Government is the proverbial sledgehammer to crack a nut. Even at this late hour, we call on the Scottish Government to think again.
This is the Government that claims that it wants to reset its relationship with Scottish business. It has established a new deal for business group; today is the first test of whether that approach amounts to anything more than empty words. If this Scottish Government is serious about listening to business and avoiding the damage to the vital tourist sector, it needs to agree to pause the legislation to allow for a proper review. That is what our motion says, and I am pleased to move it.
I move,
That the Parliament notes the widespread concern in the tourist sector at the introduction of the licensing scheme for short-term lets, which is effective from 1 October 2023; understands that this will apply not just to stand-alone self-catering units, but also to home sharing, B&Bs, guest houses and home swaps; is concerned that the unintended consequences of the scheme will have a seriously negative impact on Scotland’s tourism offer, and calls on the Scottish Government to pause the introduction of the scheme for 12 months to allow for modifications based on a detailed, evidence-based review of its impact.