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Month: September 2019

Scottish Government TVL Consultation: Information Sessions Launched

Posted on by Melanie Allen
The Scottish Government is currently consulting on the principles of a locally determined visitor levy. They are holding a series of information sessions around the country in support of the consultation in the coming weeks:
10th October: Edinburgh
14th October: Glasgow
16th and 17th October: Aberdeen
21st and 22nd October: Dumfries
30th October: Mull
12th November: Skye
13th and 14th November: Inverness
20th November: Shetland
Information sessions are free but limited by venue capacity.
Details of these sessions can be found on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/scottish-government-14544204721

 

ASSC will be issuing a briefing paper week commencing 7th October.

Please support your region, as an industry we need our voice to be heard – get involved if you can.

 

Consultation on The Principles of a Local Discretionary Transient Visitor Levy (TVL) or Tourist Tax

Posted on by Melanie Allen

Consultation on The Principles of a Local Discretionary
Transient Visitor Levy (TVL) or Tourist Tax

Please take time to complete this survey before 3 October.
Thank You.

Background
The ASSC, alongside other industry stakeholders, has consistently voiced concerns at proposals for the introduction of a tourist tax in Scotland, whether at a national or local level. However, the Scottish Government has now committed to introducing a Bill on the issue and earlier this month it launched a consultation on its plans for a local discretionary tourism levyto allow local councils to choose to apply a levy on visitors overnight.

The ASSC has always stated that any moves to introduce a tourism tax or levy in Scotland should be subject to extensive, genuine and meaningful consultation with stakeholders. We therefore welcome the opportunity to provide evidence to the Scottish Government’s consultation to share the views of our sector and help shape the framework for this levy.

As stated, the ASSC and other industry stakeholders remainopposed to any form of additional tax on Scotland’s international and domestic visitors. However, given that the Scottish Government has committed to introducing a Bill, it is important that those most affected by the levy should have a say on any new framework. As a sector we should try to influence the Bill’s progress in a way that will cause the least amount of disruption and negative consequences for ASSC members, visitors and the industry as a whole.

The Scottish Government’s Consultation
In terms of the consultation, members of the public, businesses and the tourism sector are being asked for their views on the design of a levy which would let local authorities, who deem it appropriate for their local circumstances, to charge visitors a fee for staying overnight in their area.

At present, local authorities do not have the power to introduce a tourist levy in their area and would require legislation from the Scottish Parliament for it to proceed. This new consultation is not about the pros and cons of implementing a tourist tax in Scotland, or in a specific locality, but deals with the specifics around implementation, the creation of a national framework, powers being devolved to local government, as well as the design, rate and administration of the charge.

The money generated by local authorities who decide to introduce a visitor levy would be retained by them for reinvesting back into tourism-related activities in that community.

The ASSC, as well as the Scottish Tourism Alliance, welcomes this commitment that revenues should be used to fund local authority expenditure on these activities only.

Following the launch of the consultation, the Scottish Government’s Minister Public Finance and Digital Economy, Kate Forbes MSP said:

“The Scottish Government is committed to devolving more power to local authorities as well as taking steps to safeguard the future of Scotland’s vibrant tourism industry.That is why we are looking for views from members of the public as well as industry on the principles of a transient visitor levy – often called a tourist tax.

“This will not be a national tax and it will be for individual local authorities to decide whether or not to apply an overnight fee if they consider it appropriate for the local community. Money raised by those local authorities who introduce a levy will be retained by them to invest in local tourism activity, helping to safeguard the sustainability of the industry.

“I hope that as many people as possible respond to this consultation to ensure that the legislation strengthens local decision making and enhances tourism across Scotland.”

ASSC Survey
The ASSC wishes to engage with our valued members, so that we can accurately reflect the views of the sector in our own substantive response to the consultation. To that end, we would appreciate if you could undertake this survey to help inform our response by 3rd October 2019.

Once we have collated views, we will provide a briefing paper in order to inform your own individual submission to the consultation. This will be distributed the week commencing 7th October. The Scottish Government’s consultation is open until 2nd December 2019.

We know that a ‘one size fits all’ scenario will not work across all accommodation providers, particularly in the self-catering sector. The survey will allow us to represent the majority view when we respond as ASSC, but it is essential that members respond individually too. Our briefing document will reflect what our members are telling us, but will also be informed by our communication and collaboration with industry colleagues both here and in Europe.
Many thanks in advance for taking part, and helping us to Support Self-Catering in Scotland.
Best wishes,
Fiona Campbell
Chief Executive

ASSC New Partner For Business:  DM Hall

Posted on by Melanie Allen

ASSC New Partner For Business:  DM Hall

ASSC and DM Hall have entered into a three-year agreement which will see DM Hall as the preferred property services and advice provider for our membership.  DM Hall is an ideal firm to support us in meeting our vision of a professional, vibrant and prosperous Scottish self-catering sector.

Founded in 1897, DM Hall has a long and established history and with 26 offices, they cover the length and breadth of Scotland with a multitude of property services as listed below.

Having worked closely with DM Hall over recent months, I am very excited about this partnership and have seen at first hand the real value that DM Hall will bring.

For more information about DM Hall or to enquire about a specific property issue, you can visit their dedicated ASSC page: www.dmhall.co.uk/assc.

DM Hall will also be a significant partner at our conference next month. In addition to a DM Hall exhibition stand, DM Hall’s Head of Energy Mark O’Neill will be presenting a brief intro to DM Hall’s involvement with ASSC over the question of EPCs, identifying whether you should chose a domestic or commercial EPC, minimum energy standards on the horizon, and some silver linings – how an EPC can work for an occupier.

DM Hall property services:

Energy:
Energy is high on the agenda of many businesses, particularly self-catering accommodation operators, where the industry is seeing notable changes in regulatory requirements but also aims to meet the green credentials holidaymakers seek from accommodation providers.

Legionella:
Offer a sauna or hot tubs to your guests? DM Hall provides Legionella testing and risk assessments to ensure you and your guests are safe.

Rating:
Business rates has the potential to represent one of the largest overheads for small businesses such as self-catering accommodation operators. It is essential that business operators know where they stand now and where they might find themselves in the future.

Business Sales:
Thinking of buying or selling self-catering accommodation? DM Hall has an experienced team to provide sellers with honest and well-researched advice on price and marketability.

Commercial Valuation:
DM Hall provides valuation services for a variety of purposes, including acquisitions, commercial loan security, disposals, dispute resolution and taxation.

Residential:
DM Hall can offer advice in relation to the value of assets. In addition, for properties that are unlikely to be owner occupied, our skillset also extends to the reporting on the condition of properties.

Planning & Development:
DM Hall offers a full planning service.  This includes help with applications for extending small hotels and the application for glamping style developments, which can also include assistance with the business plans that are required to be submitted with a planning application

Rural Services
DM Hall’s rural experts specialise in the valuation and sales of country properties including farms, cottages and country houses.

Legal Searches & Architectural Services
DM Hall’s Legal Search and Property Services team help to identify any legal, building control, planning and environmental issues at every stage of a property transaction. Expert advice can also be provided on Building Warrants, Land Registration and Boundary Disputes.

Building Consultancy:
DM Hall’s Building Consultancy team provide professional and expert advice throughout a property’s lifecycle.  This includes services such as Building Condition Survey Reports and costings for Insurance Purposes.