ABERCONWY MS Janet Finch-Saunders has called on the Welsh Government to better protect self-catering holiday firms in light of new proposals aimed at increasing their availability.

New proposals will require properties to be available to let for at least 252 days and actually let for at least 182 days to qualify for business rates – an increase of 160 per cent.

From April 2023, a self-catering business not meeting the new threshold would incur council tax for a second home, instead of business rates.

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Welsh county councils will have the power to increase council tax on all these business by up to 300 per cent.

The Aberconwy MS said of the latest development: “The Welsh Government are showing themselves to be an anti-business administration with no red lines on how far they’re prepared to go in damaging the Welsh tourism industry and economic recovery.”

The Shadow Minister for Climate Change joins Wales Tourism Alliance (WTA), UK Hospitality Cymru (UKHC) and Professional Association of Self Caterers UK (PASC UK) in calling for the Welsh Government to heed new evidence collected in a survey of more than 1,500 self-catering businesses, across Wales.

Evidence recommends increasing the occupancy threshold for holiday let businesses from 70 to 105 days, in line with HMRC taxation rules, and exempting properties, which are limited by planning permission to be short term commercial lets (such as farm diversification or buildings within the boundaries of the owner’s own home), from additional council tax payments if they do not hit the 105 days occupancy target.

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Furthermore, there have been suggestions to amend the occupancy threshold allowances to take account of repairs, property improvements and closure due to ill-health or caring responsibilities.

“This administration is punishing some of the most valued sectors in Wales and expect hard working folk to sit idly as they steam role over the backbone of Welsh industry and economy,” said Mrs Finch-Saunders, “We need to see market friendly initiatives that support residents and encourage areas across Wales to promote itself to visitors.

“Post pandemic, this is our opportunity to showcase the best of Wales and get things moving again.”