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Month: March 2019

Financial Memorandum associated with the Planning (Scotland) Bill Published

Posted on by Fiona Campbell

The Scottish Government have published the Financial Memorandum associated with the Planning (Scotland) Bill.

Significantly, Kevin Stewart says that the amendments made at Stage Two of the legislative process could “create millions of pounds of new costs for planning authorities” and that the sheer number of amendments threaten the underlying aims of the legislation. The Financial Memorandum estimates that the amendments at Stage Two could increase costs to planning authorities by up to £75m and more than £400m for business.

Further details, including the Financial Memorandum itself, are available here: https://news.gov.scot/news/delivering-an-improved-planning-system.

Association of Self-Caterers Chief Executive, Fiona Campbell, said:

“Following the publication of this financial memorandum, we at the ASSC must stress that our sector has significant concerns about some amendments to the Planning Bill.

“There are some amendments to this bill that would have huge financial implications on struggling local authorities, particularly in how they relate to the £723million short-term rental sector, not to mention business owners, if they were put into practice.

“We also know that there are many individuals and groups across civic Scotland who share our concerns.”

ASSC Wins National Scottish Thistle Awards – Working Together In Tourism

Posted on by Melanie Allen

The Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) has celebrated a win at the Scottish tourism industry’s equivalent of the Oscars.

Having previously been recognised at a regional level, the ASSC scooped the Working Together in Tourism prize at the national Scottish Thistle Awards for its Paws for a Break campaign.

Paws for a Break represents the commitment of proprietors in the traditional self-catering sector to make it easy for guests to take their pets on holiday with them rather than having to leave them at home or organise costly pet-sitters.

ASSC Chief Executive, Fiona Campbell, and Chair, Linda Battison, were on hand to collect the chic trophy at a glamorous awards ceremony held to celebrate the very best in Scottish tourism.

The Scottish Thistle Awards are organised by industry experts from organisations such as VisitScotland, Scotland Food and Drink, the Scottish Licenced Trade Association and the Scottish Tourism Alliance and have been held for the last 20 years.

ASSC Chief Executive, Fiona Campbell, said:

“All of us at the ASSC are delighted to have won in our category at the Scottish Thistle Awards.

“Paws for a Break is a brilliant initiative and it’s been a real treat to hear from so many people who have benefited from the companionship, fun, and peace of mind that comes from being able to take their beloved pets on holiday with them.

“As Scotland’s self-catering trade body, we’ll continue to find and develop new ideas to improve the service we offer; who knows, we might add another Scottish Thistle Award to our collection next year.”

 

Fiona Hyslop MSP’s update on Tourist Tax

Posted on by Fiona Campbell

Fiona Hyslop delivered a speech at the Scottish Tourism Alliance Conference on 14th March 2019, and made the following comments on the introduction of a tourist tax:

“The contributions that we have already received as part of the previous national discussion on the tourist tax and published on 7 March have been extremely useful in drawing out a number of the very important and complex issues and concerns.

That legislation will allow those local authorities that wish to do so, to introduce a tax to meet the needs of their own area.

Let me be clear about two things – firstly, there will be no compulsion for local authorities to implement a tourism tax. Secondly, the requirement for the Scottish Parliament to consider legislation means that there will be no tourism tax levied in 2019 or indeed 2020 season, as consultation, legislation and indeed implementation if any council wants to introduce a tax, will take some time.

As the Scottish Government and Scottish Parliament take forward and consider this legislation, it is important that everyone’s voice – all of your voices – are heard, so that whatever is produced services Tourism and Tourism needs.”

Read the full speech here.

Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC), Chief Executive, Fiona Campbell, said:

“On behalf of Scotland’s £723million self-catering sector, the ASSC welcomes this timescale”.

 “While we continue to have concerns about the damage a tourist tax may cause – the timescale of 2021 for its implementation is reassuring.

“The period between now and then should be used to conduct a rigorous, empirical, and conclusive investigation into the practicalities of this policy and its potential impact on Scotland’s vital tourism offering.

“We also welcome the Tourism Secretary’s commitment to championing Scottish tourism and her recognition of the importance of helping and supporting our sector.

“By working together in an open and practical way, we at the ASSC are confident that government and the sector can find a model that works for everyone.”