The Professional Association of Self-Caterers (PASC) and the Association of Scotland's Self-Caterers (ASSC) have announced a strengthening of ties as they continue to collaborate in the face of mounting challenges in the holiday let industry from local and national administrations.
The strategic partnership – which was announced during last week's PASC Agency Conference in Gloucestershire (see below for further details) – will see PASC and the ASSC take a co-ordinated approach to lobbying, ensuring the self-catering sector's voice is heard by policymakers and elected representatives. The two bodies have already worked together very closely on issues including statutory registration, the abolishment of the furnished holiday lettings tax regime, fire regulations, planning changes, and more. By pooling resources and expertise, PASC and the ASSC aim to enhance their influence on critical issues such as taxation, visitor levies, and licensing regulations.
Alistair Handyside, Chair, PASC, said: "Through this partnership, we will continue to advocate for the best interests of our members across the UK, ensuring that local and national authorities understand the vital role the self-catering sector plays in the tourism economy.”
Fiona Campbell, CEO, ASSC, said: "By formalising this partnership, we are sending a clear message that the self-catering sector across the UK is stronger when we work together. This MoU reflects our shared values and our determination to address the challenges we face with a united front.”
Key industry players display steely resolve
With regulatory challenges popping up left, right, and centre in the short-term rentals industry, delegates at the PASC Agency Conference would be forgiven for striking a gloomy tone (writes HCH Founder, James Varley).
And while nobody is under any illusion as to the scale of challenges facing the sector, everybody I spoke to was determined to face them head on. Many were, in fact, looking to the future. Challenge often brings opportunity – and what might transpire is 'unprofessional' hosts dropping out of the sector, which would open the door to better occupancy levels and nightly rates for those who are left.
During the event, we heard from a range of experts, including PASC board members who are undertaking sterling work behind the scenes – lobbying MPs of all parties to help them understand the critical role self-catering businesses play in visitor economies up and down the country. These lobbying efforts even led to Sir Chris Bryant, the Minister of State for Creative Industries, Arts, and Tourism, recording a video for the event, during which he outlined the positive impact of holiday lets to the UK economy. At least the government is starting to understand!
The road ahead may be rocky for our great industry – but with Alistair Handyside and the PASC team standing up for the sector, there is certainly light at the end of the tunnel.
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