New survey: government regulations causing spike in mental health problems in Edinburgh’s tourism sector
The Scottish self-catering industry highlights that Edinburgh-based operators report the highest levels of mental health issues in the country due the lingering threat of business closures.
A membership survey conducted by the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) shows that the Scottish Government’s short-term let regulations are causing a mental health crisis amongst small business owners.
In October 2024, around 450 operators were questioned by the trade body in an online survey as it continues to gather evidence around the impact of STL regulations.
Overall, around one-in-ten (11%) respondents said they had experienced no mental health issues as a consequence of regulatory changes.Incredibly, this figure drops to 0% in Edinburgh where the most stringent STL controls can be found.
The overwhelming sentiment is that the regulations have created financial strain, as well as increased anxiety and uncertainty, with sectoral discontent abundantly clear.
In terms of the key findings:
Across Scotland, over two-thirds (68%) had either experienced a ‘negative’ or ‘extremely negative’ impact on their mental health and wellbeing from recent regulatory changes;
This was particularly acute in Edinburgh where around 90% of operators had seen a negative or extremely negative impact; and
Edinburgh also had the highest number of extremely negative responses (46%).
The professional and personal strain is taking its toll. Several respondents highlighted the emotional toll, such as sleeplessness, anxiety, stress-related health issues, and feelings of helplessness, especially with the uncertainty of future income and business viability.
Many respondents also mentioned the high cost of compliance, administrative burdens, and delays in licensing applications, particularly for those relying on self-catering as their primary income.
These disturbing findings come as BiGGAR Economics published their independent analysis of the sector in Edinburgh. This showed it generated £154m in GVA and supported 5,580 jobs in 2023, while only having a negligible impact on housing with empty homes far outstripping the numbers of STLs.
Conscious to the issues facing small and micro businesses, the industry has attempted to work with national and local government to address the outstanding challenges to the regulatory framework but often to no avail. Edinburgh Council has now suffered a hat trick of legal setbacks, most recently with their u-turn over issuing three-month suspension notices.
Fiona Campbell, CEO of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers, commented: “Running a small business can be a rewarding experience but the last few years have been gruelling with the pandemic and cost of living crisis bearing down on everyone.
“Our survey highlights widespread concern amongst Edinburgh’s self-catering sector, with a clear negative impact on mental health due to recent regulatory changes.
“What is causing particular anguish is the ominous threat that livelihoods will be snatched away due to heavy-handed government regulation, especially with the conflation of licensing and planning requirements.
“To compound matters, just as professional businesses have been shut down or are at threat of closure, we’ve seen a burgeoning black market of unlicensed accommodation, thereby undermining the entire purpose of the regulations.
“Well-managed short-term lets can easily coexist within communities while contributing meaningfully to local employment and the economy.
“As BiGGAR Economics have shown, STLs support over 5,500 jobs in Edinburgh alone yet are vastly outnumbered by the number of empty properties in the city. That is where the policy focus should be directed rather than scapegoating an industry for housing challenges.
“It has to be remembered that the very same individuals under the cosh have dedicated their working lives to ensuring the capital remains a welcoming and leading destination. Quite frankly, they deserve much better.”
The UK Government has introduced regulations to restrict the prescribing and supply of puberty-suppressing hormones, known as ‘puberty blockers’, to children and young people under 18 in England, Wales and Scotland.
The emergency ban will last from 3 June to 3 September. It will apply to prescriptions written by UK private prescribers and prescribers registered in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland.
During this period no new patients under 18 will be prescribed these medicines for the purposes of puberty suppression in those experiencing gender dysphoria/incongruence under the care of these prescribers.
The NHS stopped the routine prescription of puberty blocker treatments to under-18s following the Dr Cass Review into gender identity services.
In addition, the government has also introduced indefinite restrictions to the prescribing of these medicines within NHS primary care in England, in line with NHS guidelines.
The new arrangements apply to gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues – medicines that consist of, or contain, buserelin, gonadorelin, goserelin, leuprorelin acetate, nafarelin, or triptorelin.
This action has been taken to address risks to patient safety.
Patients already established on these medicines by a UK prescriber for these purposes can continue to access them. They will also remain available for patients receiving the drugs for other uses, from a UK-registered prescriber.
Patients seeking more information should speak to their clinician.
For self-employed individuals in the UK, understanding and complying with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) regulations is crucial.
Managing your own tax affairs can be complex, and certain aspects of the rules are frequently overlooked, leading to errors that can be costly.
Adam Collins, CEO of Ignite SEO aims to highlight common mistakes made by self-employed individuals and offer guidance on how to avoid them:
Failing to Register for Self-Assessment on Time
One of the first steps you need to take as a newly self-employed individual is to register for Self-Assessment. This needs to be done by the 5th of October in your business’s second tax year. Missing this deadline can result in penalties, and you risk getting caught up in last-minute hassles to sort your taxes.
Misunderstanding Expense Deductions
Determining what expenses can be claimed is critical for the self-employed. While you are allowed to deduct legitimate business expenses to reduce your taxable income, not all expenses are allowable.
For instance, personal expenses must be strictly separated from business ones. Common missteps include improperly claiming home office expenses or the cost of commuting, which is not deductible unless it’s travel to a temporary workplace.
Poor Record Keeping
Accurate record-keeping is vital but often neglected by the self-employed. HMRC requires you to keep records of your income and expenses for at least 5 years after the 31 January submission deadline of the relevant tax year. Failure to maintain proper records can lead to inaccurate tax returns and the potential for stressful and costly audits.
Ignoring National Insurance Contributions
Many self-employed people overlook the importance of National Insurance Contributions (NICs). There are two types you might need to pay: Class 2 if your profits are above a small earnings threshold, and Class 4 if your profits exceed a lower limit. Not understanding or forgetting these contributions can lead to unexpected bills and penalties.
Inadequate Planning for Tax Payments
Tax payments can be a significant financial burden if not planned for adequately. Self-employed individuals are required to pay their taxes through Self-Assessment by the 31st of January each year, and those with significant tax bills must also make payments on account, which are advance payments towards the next year’s tax bill, due in January and July. Failing to budget for these can lead to cash flow issues.
Overlooking VAT Registration
If your annual turnover exceeds the current VAT threshold of £90,000, you must register for VAT. Many self-employed individuals either register too late or fail to register at all, which can lead to penalties and a backdated tax bill. Even if you don’t exceed the threshold, voluntary registration might benefit you by allowing you to reclaim VAT on purchases.
Adam Collins, CEO of Ignite SEO says: “Being self-employed brings the freedom to manage your own business, but it also requires diligence in handling your tax affairs.
“By being aware of these common pitfalls and actively working to avoid them, you can ensure that you stay compliant with HMRC’s regulations and avoid unnecessary penalties.
“Regularly updating your knowledge and possibly consulting with a tax professional can also help manage the complexities associated with self-employment taxes.”
PDSA urges to see past the muzzle & breaks down misconceptions ahead of Scotland’s new laws
Last released figures shared by Defra showcased that more than 35,000 dogs have been registered in England and Wales under the XL Bully exemption scheme. Not factoring in the number of dogs living in Scotland who as of 23 February will be required to wear a muzzle, there’s bound to be a surge in dogs outside wearing muzzles.
Muzzles can be divisive, and vet charity PDSA is seeing this first hand.
PDSA Vet, Lynne James, explains there’s many misconceptions around muzzles, which all XL Bully type dogs must now wear when out and about, in order to comply with the Exemption rules. This includes when being transported in a car.
“Experts and animal welfare organisations have campaigned against breed bans for decades, but it’s a big myth that muzzles are bad for dogs.
“As a Vet, and working in the profession, muzzles are no stranger to us. In fact, muzzles can be extremely helpful in our line of work.
“We’re very keen to highlight misconceptions about muzzles. For many, especially now, muzzles are going to be part of their daily routine – grab your dog’s lead, collar and muzzle before heading out for walk.
“Dogs don’t care what they look like – that’s a human thing. Thinking a dog in a muzzle must be ‘dangerous’ just isn’t accurate when muzzles have other uses. Vet professionals see them on a day-to-day basis and frankly, see past the muzzle.
The leading vet charity shared some of the muzzle misconceptions it has heard since the ban was announced:
Muzzles are prison for pooches
They are animal cruelty
Look barbaric
Muzzles look like a monstrosity
Horrible contraptions
Why use a muzzle?
“We do understand how muzzles can create the fear of the unknown, especially if you’ve only seen them portrayed on fierce looking guard dogs in films! It’s important to be aware though – muzzles can be used for other positive reasons, and many of the dogs you may see out and about wearing them these days are not to be feared.
“Muzzles can be especially helpful for dogs who like to eat non-food items – owners who have a dog who munches on poo whilst out on walks will understand this better than most!
“They can also create some safety for dogs themselves, if a dog does like to sniff out things to pick up when on walks, a muzzle can help to stop them easily picking up potentially harmful foods or substances.
“Even the friendliest of dogs can find some situations stressful – such as visits to the groomers or the vets, particularly if they’re in pain or have had a previous uncomfortable experience. That’s why we’d recommend all owners include muzzle training with their general dog training, it’s just as handy for your dog to be happy wearing a muzzle as it is for them to know how to ‘sit’ and ‘wait’, should you need them to.”
“It’s also imperative people understand that a muzzle is not ‘animal cruelty’. If a dog is wearing a suitable, comfortably fitting, spacious muzzle, they should be able to fully pant, drink water, and even take treats with ease.
Choosing the right muzzle for your dog
“When choosing the best muzzle for your individual dog, you want to make sure that:
There’s roughly 1cm space between your dog’s nose and the very end of the muzzle.
There’s plenty of airflow so your dog doesn’t overheat and can breathe normally.
Enough room for your dog to comfortably open their mouth to eat and drink.
Plenty of space for your dog to fully pant.
Should be made of a durable but comfortable material so it doesn’t break but also doesn’t irritate your dog’s skin.
“It’s always key for pet owners to slowly introduce a muzzle in a positive way, to help their dog become confident and happy wearing it.
“Muzzle training shouldn’t be rushed and should always be done at a dog’s pace, in several short sessions over a few weeks, so they have time to adjust and feel comfortable wearing a muzzle.
“Whilst muzzles have their uses for shorter periods of time, they aren’t meant to be worn as a constant. However, a good walk, whether short or long, that suits the energy levels of your dog is fine to wear a muzzle for.”
Key dates for XL type owners in both England and Wales:
31 March 2024 — deadline for your dog to be microchipped (and microchip number provided to Defra by email or post, by this date) if your dog was less than eight weeks old when you applied for a Certificate of Exemption.
30 June 2024 — deadline to have your dog neutered (and neutering evidence provided to Defra by email or post, by this date), if your dog was more than one year old on 31 January 2024.
31 December 2024 — deadline to have your dog neutered (and neutering evidence provided to Defra by this date), if your dog was less than one year old on 31 January 2024.
Scotland’s ban timeline:
It has been announced restrictions for XL Bullies will come into place on 23 February 2024 in Scotland.
From this date, owners of XL Bullies will need to comply with the restrictions: dogs must wear a muzzle and be on a lead when in public. It will also be illegal to sell, or advertise for sale, abandon, give away or breed the dogs in Scotland.
From 31 July 2024, it will be illegal to own an XL Bully without having an Exemption. We’re still awaiting information for how owners will be able to apply for an Exemption, and when they can do so.
There’s plenty of muzzle training guidance and advice on PDSA’s website, as well as the information the vet charity knows about both the England and Wales ban, and the Scotland ban.
Healthcare Improvement Scotland, the national healthcare improvement body and regulator of private healthcare services for Scotland, has published the latest inspection reports for private healthcare services.
In Scotland, private hospitals and private clinics provided by doctors, nurses, dental care professionals or midwifes are required to be registered with our organisation. We currently have over 500 private healthcare services across Scotland that are registered or completing registration.
It is only by choosing a private healthcare service registered with Healthcare Improvement Scotland that patients can be assured that the services they use meet the high standards of quality expected of registered services.
Our organisation published the inspection reports for a total of six private clinics and hospitals across Scotland.
The focus of the inspection to the Spire Hospital, Murrayfield, was on the safe delivery of the service’s provision of systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT).
As the healthcare improvement body for Scotland, Healthcare Improvement Scotland is also the regulator for private healthcare services, including private hospitals, hospices, private psychiatric hospitals and clinics, which provide a wide range of services from cosmetic procedures to wholly private dentistry, health screening, travel clinics and others.
Inspections of services are carried out to ensure that the providers comply with standards and regulations.
Lynsey Cleland, Director of Quality Assurance at Healthcare Improvement Scotland, comments:“It is vital that the people of Scotland who opt to use private healthcare services receive the best quality and standard of care, which is why these clinics must be registered with us and must submit to regular inspection.
“The majority of the private clinics we regulate provide cosmetic interventions. It is crucial that we provide assurances for the public that these procedures are carried out in safe and regulated environments.
“Registered clinics are required to demonstrate that they take the safety of their clients seriously, that they operate to the highest standards and are committed to continually improving the service they provide for clients.
“People should always check that a clinic is registered with Healthcare Improvement Scotland before undertaking treatments.”
You can find out more about the regulation of private clinics in Scotland by listening to our podcast episode:
Powers passed by MSPs to help deal with the impact of Brexit are being used for the first time to ensure Scotland’s high quality drinking water aligns with standards set by the European Union.
The new regulations will be laid in the Scottish Parliament on Monday 31 October and should come into force from 1 January 2023 to tie in with the new monitoring year.
The EU Continuity Act 2020 ensures that Scotland can maintain and advance the high standards shared between devolved Scots and EU law, irrespective of the consequences of the UK’s exit from the European Union.
New regulations being laid under the Act this week will adhere to updated standards set by the World Health Organisation that limit emerging pollutants and endocrine disrupting compounds.
Such pollutants include PFAs which are better known as ‘forever chemicals’ and are commonly used in non-stick and water repellent products and do not degrade when they reach the environment.
Constitution Secretary Angus Robertson said: “Scotland’s drinking water is renowned for its excellent quality all over the world and we will be relentless in ensuring it stays this way and meets the highest of standards.
“These latest steps we are taking, to maintain those standards, are a prime example of our commitment to re-join the EU and align with its policies. Through such action, we will continue to protect the health and wellbeing of people in Scotland and also ease the future process of Scotland’s return to the EU.
“This is in stark contrast to the approach being taken by the UK Government, intent on undermining retained EU law which will be hugely damaging to people and businesses in Scotland.
“We’re determined to continue to be an active and constructive participant on EU matters, which will ease the process of Scotland’s future return to the EU.”
What do I need to know in terms of electrics when fitting new lights in the garden?
Paul Collins, Head of Technical Services at NICEIC, answers:
“When fitting new lights in the garden, it is vital that all work completed is done in accordance with the latest Electrical Regulations (BS 7671) to guarantee maximum safety. As the lights are being fitted outside, there is the added risk of adverse weather – this increases the risk of injury from an electric shock when handling outdoor electrical equipment.
“Outdoor lighting is at the top of the list for garden installations, with 51% saying they planned to install lighting to their garden last year. Speak to your local NICEIC certified electrical contractor before any outdoor light fixtures are fitted as they can advise the safe and appropriate steps that need to be taken to ensure the work is carried out to the highest standard.
“Should you employ their services, they will also be able to take care of the appropriate notification to the local building control body (if required) and issue certification once the work is completed.
“You can also speak to your local NICEIC certified contractor about carrying out an electrical inspection, especially if you have any concerns regarding the electrics in your garden.
“Following this inspection, you will receive an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) that will highlight damage, defects or dangerous conditions in your garden.
“You can search for an NICEIC certified contractor in your area by simply visiting niceic.com and typing in your postcode – but do make sure you get quotes from at least three different NICEIC certified contractors before agreeing to carry out any work.”
Consultation proposes changes to boost economy and help net zero transition
As part of its Permitted Development Rights review, the Scottish Government is consulting on measures that would save applicants the time and expense of applying for planning permission for some types of development.
Consultation proposals include:
outdoor restaurant seating could be permitted without a planning application under new proposals to support the hospitality industry
relaxing the need to seek planning permission for electric vehicle charging infrastructure in car parks or at filling stations
allowing a wider variety of changes of use for premises in city, town and local centres to promote more rapid adaption to changing circumstances
permitting conversion of buildings to small workspaces to support local innovation and entrepreneurship as part of the national strategy to transform the economy
Planning Minister Tom Arthur said: “The pandemic has highlighted that use of outdoor spaces can help bolster our hospitality industry and make city, town and local centres feel more welcoming and vibrant. I encourage local businesses and communities to submit their views on these proposals to relax planning requirements.
“Extending permitted development rights to make changes in use easier will help to deliver our entrepreneurship ambitions by creating enterprising communities, as set out in the National Strategy for Economic Transformation.
“Proposals to support the extension of the charging network reflect the significant growth in electric vehicle ownership forecasted for the coming years and the vital role of electric vehicle owners in helping Scotland reach net zero by 2045.”
UKHospitality Scotland Executive Director Leon Thompson said: “Over the course of the pandemic hospitality businesses made great use of outdoor space, allowing them to trade whilst keeping customers and workers safe.
“Outdoor seating is extremely popular with guests and these often imaginative and creative spaces continue to be used extensively.
“UKHospitality Scotland is pleased that the Scottish Government has listened to our calls and is putting forward plans to relax planning requirements. This will save businesses time and money, whilst adding to the vibrancy of our towns and cities. This move will also help to boost local economies and create jobs.”
On Saturday, 22 May, 2021, St Johnstone and Hibernian go head to head in the Scottish Cup Final.
There is always significant interest in these extremely important fixtures and despite the match being played behind closed doors, this weekend’s game will be no exception.
The game is eagerly anticipated and passions can run high. However, fans can be assured that preparations for policing any gatherings in relation to the match are well underway with public safety being Police Scotland’s primary concern.
Assistant Chief Constable Alan Speirs said: “The Scottish Cup Final on Saturday is an important day for everyone involved with St Johnstone and Hibernian football clubs and we will have an appropriate policing plan in place to maintain public safety.
“It is vitally important that both sets of fans avoid gathering in large groups and stick to the regulations in place to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
“I also want to take this opportunity to remind people that the use of pyrotechnics is extremely dangerous. We have seen from events in recent weeks that the consequences of their use can be severe, you might not just injure yourself using them, but you could also seriously injure those in your vicinity.
“Police Scotland is already working with both teams and our partners, including the Scottish Government, to ensure the match goes ahead safely and supporters follow the restrictions for their own safety and that of the wider public and our officers.
“Our approach throughout the pandemic has been to engage with the public, explain the legislation and encourage compliance, but officers will not hesitate to use enforcement powers as a last resort.”
Regulation of the construction industry is essential for a safer and more productive future, election hopefuls from Scotland’s main political parties told a special digital hustings hosted by the Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum.
The importance of skills and training in the industry also won unanimous cross-party agreement from panellists during the exclusive event held online this week.
Support for reform of procurement practices and a review of VAT on domestic repairs were other positive talking points – supporting the Forum’s own manifesto suggestions for ways to improve the industry.
The hustings, held via webinar on Tuesday 27 April, featured five candidates currently facing election to the Scottish Parliament:
Carole Ford, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Monica Lennon, Scottish Labour
Laura Moodie, Scottish Greens
Alexander Stewart, Scottish Conservative and Unionist
Kevin Stewart, SNP.
Answering questions from senior Forum representatives and members of a selected audience, all panellists agreed that regulation was essential for the future of the construction industry.
Kevin Stewart said: “It should be the aim of all of us to drive up standards and safety and build trust in people doing day to day work. Why is a security guard a regulated professional when a plumber is not?
“We need to have real debate about the regulatory issues, and a consensus about moving forward on regulation. The Grenfell Inquiry highlights the need to have occupations regulated to keep people safe and give public confidence in construction work.”
Ms Ford agreed, saying: “Professional regulation’s primary purpose is to protect the public, maintain high standards and protect qualifications and standards in the sector.
“The cowboys are doing no favours to those who are properly qualified, so we are totally committed to all measures which would support consumers and protect standards and professional qualifications, and totally in support of having a well-regulated, well respected construction industry which has the confidence of the public.”
Also in favour of regulation was Ms Lennon, who said: “It is important that qualified tradespeople are recognised for their experience and their competence, meaning the public will have confidence in who is coming into their homes or workplace.
“It makes sense to give people confidence in their work and that they will work safely and have pride in what they do, so we fully support measures to improve regulation and improve public safety.”
Training and apprenticeships ‘vitally important’
The importance of skills, training and apprenticeships in the sector was another topic on which all panellists were in full agreement.
Alexander Stewart said: “Economic growth is the cornerstone for this recovery, and construction plays a vital role in that. Skills and training apprenticeships are vitally important and we fundamentally believe that there should be more funding put into it.
“We want to bring people back and get more new people into the industry and ensure that women have more opportunity to become more involved. We also want economic growth, which will only come about through investment in training and support mechanisms.”
Ms Lennon concurred: “Jobs are at the top and at the heart of our manifesto and our vision for the next five years is a roadmap to recovery that focuses on skills – up-skilling, re-skilling and how we can support local government to take on apprentices and use a talented workforce in Scotland to retro-fit homes to tackle fuel poverty and create new jobs in construction and manufacturing.”
Procurement ‘a bugbear that needs resolved’
Questions on procurement reform had been raised by several Forum members ahead of the husting – and again, all five panellists were firm in their convictions that change is needed.
Ms Moodie said: “We believe public procurement could be a real growth boost for small, local businesses that are socially and environmentally responsible and we are committed to reforming procurement requirements that could fulfil that.
“We want to make sure Scottish businesses capture more of the supply chain opportunities, especially from the rise in the growing renewable industry and I believe there is a lot of room for improvement in terms of accessibility and use of online procurement tools.
“We would also like to see more support for small businesses so they can compete on a level playing field with bigger companies in terms of bidding for the work.”
Ms Lennon added: “Procurement is quite simply a bugbear that needs resolved and there are huge opportunities around local engagement and low carbon innovation. SMEs are the lifeblood of our economy and we will reorientate procurement to make sure it works for businesses in Scotland.”
Ms Moodie said it was a “burden on businesses” when they were trying to expand and develop, while Ms Lennon said any changes would unlock plenty of opportunities.
Ms Ford agreed, adding: “The current VAT system is regressive and holding back demand for vital energy efficiency improvements and retrofits.”
Kevin Stewart was also in agreement, adding that VAT was not a devolved matter but that he wanted it reduced or abolished for refurbishment repairs and regeneration projects.
Panellists also responded to one audience member’s point that a recent survey revealed that 52 per cent of homes are not wind and watertight, with £3.8bn spent annually on their repair and maintenance.
Ms Ford replied that in the west of Scotland the factoring issue in tenements needs looked at as well as that of owners’ responsibilities, saying: “The Edinburgh solution has its own problems, but owners and the responsibilities of multi-occupancy properties needs reviewed.”
Kevin Stewart spoke of “educating people” about the importance of properties being wind and watertight and the need to be ambitious in helping more, while namesake Alexander added: “Homes need to be fit for purpose and there is a need to invest in the sector.”
Praise for ‘collective expertise’
Finally, there was one more thing all the panellists agreed upon – the excellent work of the CICV Forum.
The unique collective was formed in early March 2020 in response to the urgent COVID-19 threat and now comprises 29 leading construction trade and professional associations.
Alexander Stewart said: “It’s so important that the Forum is at the table as you have boots on the ground and work closely together to get the plans put into place. All the ideas in the CICV Forum manifesto are very good and we would support you in achieving them.”
Ms Ford agreed, saying: “The level of detail in CICV Forum documents is only possible because of your collective expertise. Working together has generated documentation that is a lot better than if carried out by one organisation.”
Kevin Stewart added: “The Forum has been at forefront of promoting working safely and long may it stay at the table with government. In particular I would like to pay tribute to the construction character Campbell who has been used to promote messaging through your clever use of social media.”
Forum actions include lobbying the Scottish Government to influence policy and push for positive action, as well as providing expert advice on important sector issues including commercial, employment, planning, skills, and health and safety.
Hustings ‘a resounding success’
The hustings format was the brainchild of Gordon Nelson, Scotland Director of the Federation of Master Builders, a key member of the Forum.
He said: “From the feedback we have received from the sector, it was clear that the hustings event was a resounding success and generated a wealth of constructive and thought-provoking answers from our panellists.
“It proved also that construction is very much at the heart of Scotland’s recovery, and that all parties are committed to rebuilding together and investing in a safer and fully skilled industry that will benefit the whole nation.”
