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The Scottish Government's Short Term Let Licensing Scheme came into force on 1 October 2022, meaning all hosts (existing and new) need to apply for, and obtain, a licence before they accept bookings and welcome guests. This was to ensure a mandatory set of standards that apply to all short-term lets across Scotland.
Since the introduction of the scheme, Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Housing and Licensing Standards team has received a number of applications – but not all had the required mandatory information.
Scottish Government legislation allows us 9 months to process applications from new hosts and 12 months for existing hosts. This is subject to all mandatory conditions being met by the host and consideration by statutory referees Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
If you have been asked to supply further information, please act now so we can process your application. If we don't receive the requested information, your short-term let licence application will be refused, in terms of Paragraph 5(3) of Schedule 1 to the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982.
Councillor Gail Macgregor, Leader of Dumfries of Dumfries and Galloway Council said: “There is a wealth of visitor attractions in our region, and we wish to support local business. The provision of a consistent standard of accommodation to tourists coming to Dumfries and Galloway is vital, and we wish to support accommodation providers in every way we can.
“I’d like to encourage anyone who is part way through their application to provide the final information so our team can finalise your application.”
The council works in partnership with the South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA) on Dumfries and Galloway’s licensing scheme. The SSDA is the strategic destination management and marketing organisation for the South of Scotland, encompassing Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders. It represents businesses and is led by South of Scotland business leaders.
David Hope-Jones, SSDA Chief Executive Officer said: “There are a number of businesses which started an STL application but, when asked by the council, have not come back with the necessary detail or documents. Dumfries and Galloway Council is doing all they can to reach out to and support these businesses but, to meet the statutory processing times, if businesses have not given what has been requested after 9 months (for new businesses) or 12 months (for existing businesses), their application will formally be rejected. Businesses who have had an application rejected must cease trading within a month and cannot apply again for a year.
“We want to do all we can to develop and grow the South of Scotland’s visitor economy, we therefore strongly encourage businesses in this situation, to be responsive when the council requests further information. None of us want to see quality businesses have to close. Any business needing support, or with concerns they may have to close, can contact me directly on davidhj@ssdalliance.com.”
If you would like to discuss a short-term let licence, please call 01387 273164 or email shorttermlets@dumgal.gov.uk.
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