In the House of Commons, Graham Stuart MP has pressed the Government to protect local pubs, B&Bs, and tourism businesses from unnecessary red tape. Highlighting the "massive pressure" already facing rural and coastal communities, Graham secured a ministerial commitment that the new registration scheme for short-term holiday lets will be kept simple and secure to avoid further burdening the sector.
Graham Stuart MP: “In rural and coastal communities, hospitality is already under massive pressure thanks to the tax rises, regulatory impacts and other negative impositions of this Government.
May I urge Ministers to ensure that if we are to bring in a registration scheme, we gather the data and do not move in too heavy-handedly, because we risk further damage to a hospitality sector that does not need it? We need to establish the data and find out whether further action is required.”
The Minister for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Matthew Pennycook): “I assure the right hon. Gentleman that the Department for Culture, Media and Sport is working closely with digital delivery experts to ensure that the registration service is robust, secure and simple to use, minimising the impact on businesses for precisely the reasons he gave.”
