Rachael Hamilton MSP has voiced her concern at the passing of the SNP’s short term let licensing scheme.
SNP and Green MSPs, by majority, voted to endorse the SNP Government’s short-term let licensing scheme during the final vote in the Scottish Parliament, despite the strength of opposition to the move from tourism, business, legal, and local authority stakeholders.
The Scottish Conservatives, Labour and Lib Dem MSPs voted against short-term let licensing to protect the sector.
Both Christine Grahame MSP and Emma Harper MSP voted to impose the draconian legislation on short term let businesses.
Local MSP Rachael Hamilton has repeatedly told the SNP Government that the licensing scheme will inflict harm on rural areas such as the Borders.
Recently, prior to the passage of the legislation, the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee held an online survey to gather views on the Scottish Government’s plans to require local authorities to introduce a licensing scheme for short-term let accommodation.
The survey showed that out of a total of 2578 responses, 1,200 responders said they ‘strongly oppose’ the new regulations, compared to only 500 who strongly support. Over 60% who responded believe it will drive up costs for small short term let businesses, whilst approximately 45% said it would lead to the closure of short term let businesses
Many organisations such as the Association of Scotland's Self-Caterers, Scottish Agritourism and the National Farmers’ Union of Scotland raised concerns about the proposals and urges the Scottish Government not to proceed with these damaging proposals which threaten small rural businesses and livelihoods.
Yet the SNP Government continued with pushing through the licensing scheme despite widespread opposition.
Rachael Hamilton MSP said:
“These regulations are a disaster for the Borders and our wonderful tourism industry.
“There has been widespread rejection of the licensing scheme, yet the SNP Government in Edinburgh ploughs on regardless, without a thought for short term let businesses trying to recover from the pandemic.
“I am concerned these regulations will put rural jobs and livelihoods at stake.
“It is time we sent the SNP a message, and you can do so by using your council election vote in May”.
