Self-catering is one of Scotland’s tourism success stories and industry trade body the Association of Scotland’s Self Caterers welcomed the recent year long rate cap of 12.5% announced by the Scottish Government.
Fiona Hyslop MSP announced today, at the Scottish Tourism Alliance Conference, that the rate cap will indeed apply to self-catering.
David Smythe, Chair of the ASSC, added “We are delighted that the Scottish Government has taken on board our request for transitional relief and whilst it has taken a few weeks to clarify the accommodation sectors to benefit from the rate cap this year, we were confident that self-catering would be included as our sector has seen an average (proposed) rate rise of 65% which is higher than most in hospitality. Actions always speak louder than words and we hope now that the taxation system will better reflect the Government’s stated aim to grow tourism by 20% by 2020.”
Chief Executive Officer Fiona Campbell still has concerns about the complex notional rental values which determine the rateable value of every self-catering business property in Scotland and warns that “investment and expansion of this ‘Cinderella’ industry will be hampered by a taxation system which is clearly no longer fit for purpose.”
ASSC members are still being urged to appeal and until the Barclay Review reports back in the summer, the uncertainty remains and the trade association will continue to lobby for a long term sustainable solution to this taxing issue.
About the Association of Scotland’s Self Caterers:
The ASSC is the only trade group representing the interests of more than 7,000 self-catering properties in Scotland. Formed in 1976 the Association has recently incorporated as a cooperative company limited by guarantee. Its members are committed to the ASSC’s core principles of quality, cleanliness, comfort, courtesy, efficiency and integrity. The Association’s consumer brand is Embrace Scotland and its website features a comprehensive directory of 100% quality assured self-catering accommodation throughout Scotland. All the rental homes featured on the Embrace Scotland website are run by owner/managers who are members of the ASSC – bookings are made direct with no fuss and no commission.
For more information, go to www.embracescotland.co.uk and www.assc.co.uk