Fife Council has been accused of U-turning on short-term let licensing advice just weeks before the national application deadline, leaving businesses scrambling to get the information together at the last minute.
David Weston, chairman of both the Scottish and UK B&B Associations, said the problem revolves around confusing, poorly worded legislation.
“We’ve been told by B&B owners that back in May 2022, they were told in writing from Fife Council that they didn’t need to apply for a short term let licence because they use Class 7 – a planning status, which includes hotels, hostels, guest houses,” Mr Weston explained. “Recently someone double checked and were told they had to apply. Now they’re scrambling to get the information together at the last minute.”
He said the new rules have put long standing accommodation businesses at risk. If existing businesses don’t apply by October 1, they cannot take any bookings until their licence is approved by Fife Council, which could take months.
