The Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) has written an open letter to the Scottish Greens calling for consensus on securing a long-term fix for short-term let regulation.
It acknowledges that the ASSC and the party had “not always seen eye to eye” on how the sector is regulated but argues both sides now agree the current framework “isn’t fit for purpose”.
In recent days, the Scottish Greens and Living Rent shared data on the number of secondary lettings operating without planning permission in Edinburgh. While disputing the ‘loophole’ characterisation for withdrawn applications trailed in the media, the ASSC commends them for “shining a light” on an issue many assume had been dealt with. The letter repeats the ASSC’s longstanding call for the Scottish Government to separate licensing from planning and to end inconsistent planning decisions.
The ASSC makes clear that industry wants to be regulated. It notes businesses that have invested substantial sums of money following the rules are being undercut by illegal operators who face no consequences. The letter backs councils and Police Scotland using their powers against those rogue operators and calls for online platforms to verify licence details and remove unlawful listings promptly.
The ASSC’s own latest analysis of the Edinburgh Council’s register identifies 1,443 licensed secondary-let properties, representing only 0.5% of Edinburgh’s housing stock. While relatively small in number, these properties provide a vital source of alternative accommodation for visitors and performers during the Festivals, with BiGGAR Economics estimating that self-catering generates £154m per annum in the capital alone.
In Edinburgh, 98% of short-term let planning applications fail which amounts to a de facto ban. Where established operators cannot secure planning permission, the capital risks losing this accommodation while the black market continues unabated.
To address this, the ASSC calls for a dedicated planning category for self-catering through a new Use Class Order – which would require action from the Scottish Government – with fair arrangements for established businesses and a practical route to compliance.
The ASSC has asked to meet with the Scottish Greens to discuss how to break the current impasse between Edinburgh Council and the Scottish Government, where there is a difference in opinion as to how it can be tackled, and agree a workable solution to put to Scottish Ministers to finally put the issue to bed.
Fiona Campbell MBE, Chief Executive of the ASSC, commented: ““We haven’t always seen eye to eye with the Scottish Greens, but we agree on this: the system simply isn’t fit for purpose.
“Businesses that have followed the rules are caught between planning and licensing with no certainty all while the black market booms.
“Our sector has been clear that it wants to be regulated but needs rules that are clear, consistent and fair.
“We’d relish the chance to sit down with the Scottish Greens and other stakeholders to finally resolve this issue once and for all.
“Local businesses and communities deserve nothing less.”
