William Eichler 09 January 2020

Scottish councils granted powers to regulate short-term lets

Local authorities in Scotland are to be given new powers to regulate short-term lets where they decide this is in the interests of local communities.

Housing minister Kevin Stewart has announced measures in the Scottish parliament to provide councils with the ability to implement a licensing scheme for short-term lets from spring 2021.

This will enable local authorities to understand what is happening in their area, improve safety and assist with the effective handling of complaints, he said.

The licensing scheme will include a new mandatory safety requirement that will cover every type of short-term let and will give councils the discretion to apply further conditions to address local concerns.

Councils will also be able to designate control areas to ensure that planning permission will always be required for the change of use of whole properties for short-term lets.

‘Short-term lets can offer people a flexible travel option and have contributed positively to Scotland’s tourism industry and local economies across the country,’ said Mr Stewart.

‘However, we know that in certain areas, particularly tourist hot spots, high numbers of short-term lets are causing problems and often make it harder for people to find homes to live in.

‘That is why we are empowering local authorities to implement a system that works for their area.

‘By giving councils the power to set conditions around short-term lets licences and put in place planning control areas to tackle hot spots, communities across Scotland will be able to decide what is best for them and their local economy.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

PRINCIPAL TRANSPORT PLANNING OFFICER

Hull City Council
£43693 - £46731
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to join our team in Hull as a Principal Transport Planning Officer. Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
Recuriter: Hull City Council

HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC ENGINEER - 4 POSTS

Hull City Council
£43693 - £46731
We have several exciting opportunities for suitably qualified Highways Civil Engineers and Traffic Engineers Wilson Centre, 1st floor, Hull HU1 2AG
Recuriter: Hull City Council

Strategic Director, Finance and Resources (S.151 Officer)

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
£110,799 - £120,706
Blackburn with Darwen is a distinctive, welcoming and vibrant borough with a strong identity and a genuine buzz about the place. Blackburn, Lancashire
Recuriter: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

Residential Worker, Edge of Care Service

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £29,093 - £32,654 PAY AWARD PENDING
Join a Groundbreaking Team Supporting Families in Seaham Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Bikeability Cycling Instructor

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £24,790 to £25,992 pro rata (Pay Award Pending)
The Road Safety Team are keen to recruit additional Casual Bikability Instructors to join our team of instructors delivering Bikeability cycle trainin Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner