COUNCIL chiefs have been asked to apologise over claims that short-term lets are contributing to housing pressures in Argyll and Bute.
The Association of Scotland’s Self Caterers (ASSC) has hit out at communication by the authority to short-term let licence holders and applicants as part of a short-term let control area consultation.
It is stated in the communication that “up to 42 per cent of housing is unavailable for use as a permanent home”, which the ASSC says does not relate solely to short-term lets.
The council has defended its claim, and said that the consultation was only one measure the council is taking to address the housing emergency it declared in 2023.
A statement by the ASSC said: “The council’s own figures record 3,667 second homes and 930 long-term empty properties across Argyll and Bute, compared with 2,898 secondary lets.
“Around 61 per cent of the stock classified by the council as ‘ineffective’ are second homes and long-term empty properties, not short-term lets.
“The ASSC argues that the council has not demonstrated that licensed self-catering businesses caused those pressures or that closing them would create permanent or affordable homes.
“The council’s own report acknowledges it cannot quantify how many existing self-catering properties would become principal residences.
“Its suggestion that 140 properties might return to residential use rests on an illustrative 10 per cent scenario, not an evidenced outcome.”
ASSC chief executive Fiona Campbell MBE said: “Housing pressures in Argyll and Bute are real, but licensed self-catering businesses must not be used as convenient scapegoats when the problem lies elsewhere.
“Unfortunately, the council’s misleading communication presents contested claims as established fact. The headline figure of 42 per cent combines short-term lets with second homes and long-term empty properties, but that essential context was not made clear to the operators who received it.
“It is especially concerning that this communication was issued after the council had received warnings about the evidence base and the legal risks.
“Self-catering is critical tourism infrastructure in Argyll and Bute, generating £33.5m annually, and local businesses deserve much better.
“We expect a public apology, a corrected communication and answers to every point we have raised since August.”
An Argyll and Bute Council spokesperson said: “The housing situation in Argyll and Bute is complex. It is correct that up to 42 per cent of housing stock within parts of the proposed short-term let control area is unavailable for use as a permanent home and this comprises second homes, empty homes and properties being used for short-term lets.
“The economic value of short-term lets as part of the visitor economy has always been acknowledged and will continue to be so.
“However, the current consultation will help us assess if the introduction of a short-term let control area would help balance the economic benefits with the need for homes for residents and workers who deliver the day-to-day services on which local people and visitors rely. We urge everyone to take part in the survey to give their views.
“This is just one measure the council is taking to address the housing emergency declared by the council and the Scottish Government.
“For example, we are working with owners of empty homes to bring them back into use, addressing second home ownership through measures available, we are taking forward a strategic development framework in both Helensburgh and Oban areas to assist the delivery of 2,000-3,000 homes in each area and we are working with RSL (registered social landlord) partners and community housing trusts to facilitate building new homes.”
