Consultation launched on statutory licensing scheme for all visitor accommodation providers in Wales
The Welsh Government has launched a consultation on a statutory licensing scheme for all visitor accommodation providers in Wales.
The main goal of the scheme is to create a level playing field for all accommodation businesses operating in the sector and address concerns around compliance with statutory obligations.
The scheme could also provide a comprehensive database of businesses operating in the industry, as it is currently unclear how many there are in Wales or any given community.
The growth of online booking platforms has brought many benefits to the visitor economy in Wales, but has also raised concerns about compliance and the impact of short-term lets on housing availability and affordability.
- provide the mechanism to address concerns on compliance
- provide a comprehensive database of exactly who is operating in the industry as it is currently not possible to determine how many visitor accommodation businesses there are in Wales, or in any given community;
- be a valuable tool in understanding the scale and nature of the sector.
Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething said:
“The visitor economy is changing rapidly, and the role of visitor accommodation presents major challenges for communities across the world. For example, the growth of online booking platforms has brought many benefits, such as new routes to market and increased consumer choice.
“However, we are aware of the concerns around compliance with existing requirements and the impact of short-term lets on housing stock and our communities.
“Our plans to develop statutory licensing scheme will be focused on levelling the playing field as part of a long-term response to the major challenges we face.
“Over the course of the past year, we have been exploring and engaging with stakeholders on how such a scheme could work in Wales. As the consultation now opens, we would like to hear further views and would encourage the sector to respond to the consultation.”
Respond to the consultation: Statutory licensing scheme for all visitor accommodation providers in Wales. Responses are due by 17 March 2023.
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