SELF-CATERERS have challenged Argyll and Bute Council officers on a savings option which would increase short-term let licensing fees by 10 per cent.
The Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) has voiced concerns about a further proposal to re-charge short-term lets (STL) for council services.
Members have sought the withdrawal of that further proposal, and confirm that licence fee income will remain used for that purpose.
A council spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the authority was aware of requirements. No decision will be made on whether to implement the savings option until the council sets its budget in February.
A report published ahead of a full council meeting said: “Proposed increase to short terms lets licensing fees by 10 per cent. The short-term lets fee income should not make a profit and should support the costs required to run the short term lets service.
“A further proposal is to re-charge short term lets for a number of services provided across the council in relation to short-erm lets – these should be covered by the short-term lets fee income.
“[There is a] Potential risk that number of STL applications may reduce in future due to market, and impact of possible short-term let planning control areas.”
In a statement, the ASSC said: “While we fully recognise the importance of a properly resourced licensing system, any use of licensing fees must remain strictly within the boundaries of the law.
“The current statutory framework only permits licensing authorities to set fees on a cost recovery basis directly linked to the administration of the specific licensing function. The proposal to divert income to other council services moves beyond this remit.
“We have therefore formally requested that Argyll and Bute Council withdraws the element of the proposal seeking to recharge STL licence income to other services [and] confirms that all STL licence fee income will be fully ring-fenced to the direct costs of the STL licensing regime.
“[We have also asked the council to] publish a transparent cost model demonstrating how any fee increase is proportionate and directly linked to service delivery pressures [and] provide clarity on which services were proposed for recharge and confirm this approach will not proceed.
“Our position remains clear. We support a fair, lawful and proportionate licensing system that protects communities while enabling responsible self-catering businesses to operate with certainty and confidence. A transparent and compliant cost recovery model provides the only sustainable route forward.
“We have invited Argyll and Bute Council to confirm that the proposal will be amended in line with statutory requirements and have reiterated our willingness to engage constructively to support a lawful and balanced solution.”
A council spokesperson said: “No decisions will be made until the budget setting meeting in February 2026.
“We want to make it clear that the council is fully aware that that monies generated from the short-term lets scheme can only be used to support its delivery.”
