Scottish Parliament endorses “urgent” rental licensing system
Scotland: A Scottish Parliament committee has backed proposals to introduce a licensing system for short-term rentals, despite widespread opposition from the tourism industry. The Local Government Committee voted in favour of implementing the system by four to free, and six to one in favour of plans to enforce “control areas” across the country to limit […]
Edinburgh rejects action on short-term lets
UK: A Green proposal to compel Edinburgh City council to investigate unlawful short-term lets in the city has been rejected by SNP, Labour and Tory councillors. The proposal followed a study which revealed that only one in 477 short-term lets in the city had planning permission. Green MSP Andy Wightman sponsored the study, compiling a […]
Scottish islanders call holiday homes “economic clearance”
UK: A group of Scottish islanders have accused holiday homes of causing “economic clearance,” due to rising property prices. Outsiders purchasing second homes and holiday lets have been accused of underpinning a prohibitive price increase. The complaint was listed in an open letter published across multiple social media sites. Campaigners from various islands claimed that […]
SNP to fast track short-term let control areas in Scotland
UK: The SNP has announced its intent to fast-track the introduction of short-term let control areas in Scotland before the next set of Hollyrood elections. Lawmakers have been pushing for expedited measures since a study was published claiming only one in 477 short-term lets in the city of Edinburgh had proper permits. The report, authored […]