Self-Caterers launch first-ever Local Election Manifesto

THE Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers has launched its first-ever local government election manifesto.

Self-Catering: Local, Reliable, Sustainable: The ASSC’s Manifesto for Scotland’s Local Government Elections sets out the association’s four key priorities for Scottish self-catering as it recovers from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the manifesto, self-caterers are urging local politicians to commit to minimising the burden of short-term let licensing by working closely with small business, monitoring the impact of the policy, and pledging not to impose additional conditions on already hard-pressed businesses.

The manifesto also calls for an evidence-based approach to the use of short-term let control areas and for such decision-making not to be based on crude hearsay and anecdote.

Additionally, the ASSC is asking those who find themselves in power to reject the introduction of local tourism levies, should the power to do so flow to them from Holyrood.

Finally, Scotland’s self-caterers are imploring local councils to promote self-catering as a sustainable tourism option in their areas, drawing particular attention to the role that the industry has in helping the environment, and local economies, flourish across Scotland.

In launching Self-Catering: Local, Reliable, Sustainable, the ASSC hopes to encourage a step-change in thinking around short-term lets, cut through the often-inaccurate rhetoric surrounding what self-caterers do, and help local governments across Scotland understand and appreciate that there is a bright future for tourism in their areas, with self-catering playing a vital role.

Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers Chief Executive, Fiona Campbell, said:

“I am thrilled to launch our manifesto ahead of these vital local elections.

“Hardworking and dedicated self-caterers across Scotland have had a really tough time throughout the pandemic and we need the help of our local politicians to get us back to doing what we do best.

“I would urge everyone standing in these elections to consider our moderate, sensible, and evidence-backed proposals and to think about the benefits that they will have for the communities they wish to represent.”