Question reference: S6W-03948
- Asked by: Liam McArthur, MSP for Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
- Date lodged: 26 October 2021
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Current status: Answered by Shona Robison on 9 November 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether, under its proposed short-term let licensing regime, some types of tourist accommodation, such as hotels, serviced accommodation, mobile accommodation and licensed caravans, will be exempt from licensing in respect of health and safety, but with this being mandatory for bed and breakfast and self-catering businesses, and, if so, for what reasons.
Answer
The proposed licensing legislation will establish a licensing scheme: to ensure short-term lets are safe and address issues faced by neighbours; and facilitate local authorities in knowing and understanding what is happening in their area, as well as to assist with handling complaints effectively. In broad terms, the licensing scheme applies to the use of dwellinghouses and unconventional accommodation, such as yurts or pods, for short-term lets.
The licensing scheme was never intended to regulate all forms of tourist or other accommodation. It is important that all forms of accommodation are safe and there are a number of regulatory mechanisms and safeguards across different accommodation types to help to ensure this is the case.