UK GOVERNMENT SLAMS DOOR ON SCOTTISH TOURISM INDUSTRY

UK GOVERNMENT SLAMS DOOR ON SCOTTISH TOURISM INDUSTRY

WEIR QUIZZES TREASURY OVER HOLIDAY LETS DEBACLE

SNP Business and Enterprise spokesperson Mike Weir MP has slammed the UK Government after it emerged in the Pre-Budget Report that the Treasury is threatening the survival of small self-catering businesses across Scotland by refusing to classify operating such an enterprise as a trade.

The definition given in the UK Government’s Pre-Budget Report means that those operating bed and breakfast businesses are classed as having a trade while those who run self-catering lets are classed as landlords.

Mr Weir has tabled a series of emergency questions to the Treasury in a bid to uncover why the UK Government is pursuing this action. He has also tabled an EDM in parliament.

Mr Weir said:

“This is a slap in the face for the tourism industry in Scotland.

“The 6000 small holiday letting businesses across Scotland are a vital part of our rural economy. They cannot be allowed to suffer as a result of this technocratic stitch-up.

“People who run self-catering lets are professionals offering a whole host of services from cleaning to providing information on local attractions. They must often conform to strict quality standards to gain VisitScotland ratings. To suggest that they operate the same service as residential landlords and are less skilled than people who also offer a simple meal is insulting and wrong.

“The SNP Government has helped many self-catering operators with its small business bonus, only for the Treasury to pull the rug from under their feet.

“These proposed changes will render many businesses unviable and jeopardize the knock on trade holiday lets generate for pubs, restaurants, shops, newsagents and other local businesses - often in remote rural areas where jobs are at a premium.

“With our tourist authorities putting all their energies into improving the welcome that visitors to Scotland experience in bright, welcoming, well-equipped and furnished accommodation, it's a real shame that the Treasury apparently wants to slam the door on those in the front line.

“This is the nightmare before Christmas for many small businesses across the North East and the Treasury simply must reconsider. I will be taking this forward with the Minister.”