Agenda Document Pack - Licensing Committee - 10/03/2025
Perth and Kinross Council · 10 March 2025
Back to Licensing Committee — 10 March 2025 and its agenda
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Ambition | Compassion | Integrity Our vision is for a Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality Council Building 2 High Street Perth PH1 5PH 03/03/2025 A hybrid meeting of the Licensing Committee will be held in the Council Chamber on Monday, 10 March 2025 at 10:00. If you have any queries please contact Committee Services on (01738) 475000 or email Committee@pkc.gov.uk. THOMAS GLEN Chief Executive Those attending the meeting are requested to ensure that all notifications are silent on their device and other devices are in silent mode. Please note that the meeting will be broadcast online and recorded. The recording will be publicly available on the Council’s website following the meeting. Members: Bailie Mike Williamson (Convener) Councillor Iain MacPherson (Vice-Convener) Councillor Keith Allan Councillor Hugh Anderson Councillor Bob Brawn Bailie Rhona Brock Councillor Steven Carr Councillor Andy Chan Councillor Michelle Frampton Councillor Ken Harvey Councillor Carol Mair Councillor Willie Robertson Councillor Alan Watt Page 1 of 78
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Licensing Committee Monday, 10 March 2025 AGENDA MEMBERS ARE REMINDED OF THEIR OBLIGATION TO DECLARE ANY FINANCIAL OR NON-FINANCIAL INTEREST WHICH THEY MAY HAVE IN ANY ITEM ON THIS AGENDA IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE COUNCILLORS’ CODE OF CONDUCT. 1 WELCOME AND APOLOGIES 2 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST 3 MINUTE OF MEETING OF LICENSING COMMITTEE OF 20 JANUARY 2025 FOR APPROVAL. (copy herewith) 5 - 8 4 REVIEW OF CIVIC GOVERNMENT AND HOUSES OF MULTIPLE OCCUPANCY LICENCE FEES Report by Strategic Lead - Legal and Governance (copy herewith 24/41) 9 - 18 5 SHORT TERM LET LICENSING UPDATE Report by Strategic Lead - Legal and Governance (copy herewith 25/42) 19 - 76 6 GRANT OF TAXI/PRIVATE HIRE CAR DRIVER LICENCE - X33 Report by Strategic Lead - Legal and Governance (copy herewith 25/43) 77 - 78 IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THE PUBLIC AND PRESS SHOULD BE EXCLUDED DURING CONSIDERATION OF THE FOLLOWING ITEM(S) IN ORDER TO AVOID THE DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION WHICH IS EXEMPT IN TERMS OF SCHEDULE 7A TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT (SCOTLAND) ACT 1973 P1 SUSPENSION OF TAXI/PRIVATE HIRE CAR DRIVER LICENCE - TD166 • Exempt Reason 14 - Any action taken or to be taken in connection with the prevention, investigation or prosecution of crime. P2 RENEWAL OF TAXI/PRIVATE HIRE CAR DRIVER LICENCE - TD527 • Exempt Reason 14 - Any action taken or to be taken in connection with the prevention, investigation or prosecution of crime. Page 3 of 78
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P3 SUSPENSION OF TAXI/PRIVATE HIRE CAR DRIVER LICENCE - TD1744 • Exempt Reason 14 - Any action taken or to be taken in connection with the prevention, investigation or prosecution of crime. P4 RENEWAL OF TAXI/PRIVATE HIRE CAR DRIVER LICENCE - TD1744 • Exempt Reason 14 - Any action taken or to be taken in connection with the prevention, investigation or prosecution of crime. P5 GRANT OF A TAXI/PRIVATE HIRE CAR DRIVER LICENCE - TD2392 • Exempt Reason 14 - Any action taken or to be taken in connection with the prevention, investigation or prosecution of crime. P6 GRANT OF A TAXI/PRIVATE HIRE CAR DRIVER LICENCE - TD2393 • Exempt Reason 14 - Any action taken or to be taken in connection with the prevention, investigation or prosecution of crime. Page 4 of 78
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LICENSING COMMITTEE Minute of hybrid meeting of the Licensing Committee held in the Council Chambers, 2 High Street, Perth on Monday 20 January 2025 at 1.00pm. Present: Bailies M Williamson and R Brock, Councillors H Anderson, B Brawn, S Carr, A Chan, M Frampton, K Harvey, I MacPherson, C Mair and W Robertson and A Watt. In Attendance: M McLaren, S Michie, D Rankine, M Pasternak and A Brown (all Legal & Governance). Apologies for Absence: Councillor K Allan Bailie M Williamson, Convener, Presiding. 1. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES The Convener welcomed all those present to the meeting. Apology for absence was noted as above. 2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST There were no Declarations of Interests made in terms of Councillors Code of Conduct. 3. MINUTE OF MEETING OF LICENSING COMMITTEE OF 9 DECEMBER 2024 FOR APPROVAL The minute of meeting of Licensing Committee of 9 December 2024 was approved as correct record. IT WAS AGREED THAT THE PUBLIC AND PRESS SHOULD BE EXCLUDED DURING CONSIDERATION OF THE FOLLOWING ITEM IN ORDER TO AVOID THE DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION WHICH IS EXEMPT IN TERMS OF SCHEDULE 7A TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT (SCOTLAND) ACT 1973. P1. GRANT OF A STREET TRADER LICENCE – ST319 There was submitted a report by Strategic Lead – Legal and Governance (25/3) along with a letter of representation from Police Scotland dated 25 November 2024 in relation to Grant of a Street Trader Licence – ST319. Police Scotland attended the meeting, addressed the Committee and answered Members’ questions. Ms Steel, applicant attended the meeting, addressed the Committee and answered Members’ questions. 3 Page 5 of 78
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Resolved: Application for Street Trader Licence – ST319, be granted for a period of three years. P2. RENEWAL OF TAXI/PRIVATE HIRE CAR DRIVER LICENCE – TD1809 There was submitted a report by Strategic Lead – Legal and Governance (25/4) along with letter of objection from Police Scotland dated 18 November 2024 regarding Renewal of Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver Licence – TD1809. Police Scotland attended the meeting, addressed the Committee and answered Members’ questions. Mr Adeel, the applicant attended the meeting, addressed the Committee and answered Members’ questions. FOLLOWING A SHORT ADJOURNMENT, THE COMMITTEE RECONVENED Motion by Bailie M Willaimson and Councillor I MacPherson To defer the application until next Licensing Committee meeting on 14 April 2025. Amendment by Councillor B Brawn and Bailie R Brock. To suspend the licence. In terms of Standing Order 21 a roll call vote has been taken 8 Members voted for the Motion as follows: Bailie M Williamson, Councillors S Carr, A Chan, K Harvey, I MacPherson, C Mair, W Robertson and I Watt. 4 Members voted for the Amendment as follows: Bailie R Brock, Councillors H Anderson, B Brawn and M Frampton. Resolved: The application for Renewal of Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver Licence – TD1809, be deferred to next meeting of Licensing Committee on 14 April 2025. P3. GRANT OF TAXI/PRIVATE HIRE CAR DRIVER LICENCE – TD2381 There was submitted a report by Strategic Lead – Legal and Governance (25/5) along with letter of representation from Police Scotland dated 4 December 2024 regarding Grant of Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver Licence – TD2381. Page 6 of 78
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Police Scotland attended the meeting, addressed the Committee and answered Members’ questions. Mr Murphy, the applicant attended the meeting, addressed the Committee and answered Members’ questions. FOLLOWING A SHORT ADJOURNMENT, THE COMMITTEE RECONVENED. Resolved: Application of Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver Licence – TD2381, be granted for period of three years. ~~~~~~~ Page 7 of 78
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Our vision is a Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality ___________________________________________________________________ Committee or Board: Licensing Committee Date of Meeting: 10 March 2025 Report Title: Review of Civic Government and HMO Licence Fees Report Number: 25/41 Report Author: Sarah Rodger, Legal Manager Organisational Lead: Lisa Simpson, Lead Legal and Governance ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Purpose 1.1 The purpose of this Report is to recommend that the Committee approves an increase in fees for civic government and HMO licences, with effect from 1 April 2025. 1.2 Sections 1. Purpose 2. Recommendations 3. Background/Main Issues 4. Impact Value Assessment 5. Appendices 2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that the Licensing Committee approves the increase in fees as shown in Appendices A and B, with effect from 1 April 2025. 4 Page 9 of 78
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3. Background/Main Issues 3.1. Historic Information/Context 3.1.1 The Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 and the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 give the Council power to set fees for individual licences in order to recover the cost of providing the civic government and houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licensing functions. In setting the fees, the Council must ensure that the income received through fees meets the expenses incurred in exercising its functions under the Acts. 3.1.2 Fees for these licences were last reviewed in January 2024. The proposed change represents an inflationary increase of 4% which is consistent with the Council’s medium term financial plan (report 23/267 refers) where the mid- range assumption for 2025/2026 is 4% for fees and charges. 3.1.3 This review has been undertaken in accordance with the recommendations of the Scrutiny Committee report Charging for Services (report 15/65 refers) and the revised Corporate Charging Policy of full cost recovery for providing a service. 3.1.4 The Council’s Corporate Plan 2022/23 to 2027/28 lays out five outcome focussed strategic objectives which provide clear strategic direction, inform decisions at a corporate and service level and shape resources allocation. The following objective is relevant to this report: People and businesses are increasingly able to prosper in a local economy which supports low carbon ambitions and offers opportunities for all. 3.2. Options Available to Elected Members 3.2.1 It is proposed that a 4% increase in fees is made to all fees for licences under the Acts listed in the Appendices. Fee increases are necessary to ensure that the costs of operating the licensing system are fully recovered through fees. 3.2.2 The fees for Short Term Let Licences are not included in this report as those fees are being reviewed separately and a separate report will be submitted to the Committee in relation to this. 3.3. Conclusion/Rationale for Recommendations made in Section 2 3.3.1 The report proposes an increase in fees charged in terms of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 and the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 as set out in this report, to take effect from 1 April 2025. 3.3.2 The Committee is asked to approve the increase in fees charged as set out in Appendix A and Appendix B. Page 10 of 78
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4. Impact Value Assessment Review of Civic Government and HMO Licence Fees - IVA 5. Appendices 5.1 Appendix A - Perth and Kinross Council - Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 Proposed List of Fees 5.2 Appendix B - Perth and Kinross Perth and Kinross Council – Council Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 Proposed List of Fees Page 11 of 78
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APPENDIX A PERTH AND KINROSS COUNCIL CIVIC GOVERNMENT (SCOTLAND) ACT 1982 Proposed Civic Licence Fees from 1 April 2025 ONE YEAR LICENCE THREE YEAR LICENCE Fee Type Current Proposed Current Proposed Knife Dealers (Fairs) £69 £72 n/a n/a Knife Dealers £270 £281 £323 £336 Second Hand Dealer £217 £226 £323 £336 Second Hand Car Dealer £217 £226 £323 £336 Stalls Antique Fairs £69 £72 n/a n/a Cabinet at Antique Centre £69 £72 £164 £171 Stamp Fairs – Second Hand Dealer £43 £45 n/a n/a Late Hours Catering £376 £392 £435 £453 Itinerant Metal Dealer £133 £139 £202 £211 Metal Dealer £228 £238 £303 £316 Market Operator £228 £238 £303 £316 Market Operator when Public Entertainment Licence is in place for same event £109 £114 £192 £200 Sex Shop £1,300 £1,352 n/a n/a Sexual Entertainment Venue £1,596 £1,660 n/a n/a Skin Piercing and Tattooing £270 £281 £334 £348 4 Page 13 of 78
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ONE YEAR LICENCE THREE YEAR LICENCE Fee Type Current Proposed Current Proposed Material Change of Circumstances £74 £77 n/a n/a Indoor Sports Entertainment £207 £216 £281 £293 Street Traders £175 £182 £250 £260 Street Trader Variation £111 £116 n/a n/a Window Cleaner £116 £121 £175 £182 Public Entertainment Licence Community Hall £197 £205 £260 £271 Capacity <200 £197 £205 £260 £271 Capacity 201-1500 £313 £326 £382 £398 Capacity 1501-5000 £758 £789 £869 £904 Capacity 5001-20000 £1,629 £1,695 £2,169 £2,256 Capacity >20000 £3,251 £3,382 £4,334 £4,508 Fun Fair £323 £336 £520 £541 Fun Fair/Inflatables with less than 5 kids rides at Community Event £68 £71 n/a n/a Taxi / Private Hire Cars Booking Office £207 £216 £276 £288 Meter Test £37.50 £39 n/a Taxi / Private Hire Drivers Licence new £149 £155 £207 £216 Taxi / Private Hire Drivers Licence renewal £122 £127 £180 £188 Page 14 of 78
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ONE YEAR LICENCE THREE YEAR LICENCE Fee Type Current Proposed Current Proposed Private Hire Operators Licence £63/£122/£250 WAV/ULH/Car No Change n/a n/a Taxi Operators Licence £74/£144/£297 WAV/ULH/Car No Change n/a n/a Vehicle Substitution (Private Hire) £60 No Change n/a n/a Vehicle Substitution (Taxi) £40 No Change n/a n/a Advertisement on vehicles £74 No Change n/a n/a Vehicle Registration Change £48 No Change n/a n/a Plate Brackets front and back £30 (Each £15) No Change n/a n/a Plate each £15 No Change n/a n/a Replacement Badge £10 No Change n/a n/a Door stickers (private hire) £20 (Each £10) No Change n/a n/a Internal complaint badge and wallet £10 No Change n/a n/a Page 15 of 78
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APPENDIX B PERTH AND KINROSS COUNCIL HOUSING (SCOTLAND) ACT 2006 Proposed Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) Licence Fees from 1 April 2025 Fee Type Current Fee Proposed Fee Licence Application Fee (based on occupancy) 3 – 5 £785.00 £817 6 – 10 £864.00 £899 11 – 20 £950.00 £988 21 – 30 £1045.00 £1087 31 – 40 £1149.00 £1195 41 – 50 £1298.00 £1350 51 - 75 £1427.00 £1485 76 – 100 £1569.00 £1632 101+ £1725.00 £1794 Additional Inspection Fee £80 No change Variation Fee £71 No change 4 Page 17 of 78
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Our vision is a Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality ___________________________________________________________________ Committee or Board: Licensing Committee Date of Meeting: 10 March 2025 Report Title: Short-term let Licensing Update Report Number: 25/42 Report Author: Sarah Rodger, Legal Manager Organisational Lead: Lisa Simpson, Strategic Lead Legal and Governance 1. Purpose 1.1 The purpose of this Report is to update the Committee in relation to the Short- term let Licensing Scheme and seek approval of an updated Short-term Lets Licensing Policy Statement. 1.2 Sections 1. Purpose 2. Recommendation(s) 3. Background/Context 4. Implementation update 5. Policy Statement update 6. Fees 7. Compliance and Enforcement 8. Renewal of licences 9. Conclusion 10. Impact Value Assessment 11. Appendices 2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that the Committee: 2.1.1 Notes the content of the report regarding implementation of the short-term let licensing scheme, and 2.1.2 Approves the updated Short-term Lets Licensing Policy Statement. 5 Page 19 of 78
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3. Background/Context 3.1 The legal requirement to licence short-term lets was introduced by the Scottish Government in 2022 and came into force on 1 October that same year. Scottish Government Guidance states that the aims of the licensing scheme are: To ensure short-term lets are safe and address issues faced by neighbours, To facilitate licensing authorities in knowing and understanding what is happening in their area; and To assist with handling complaints effectively. 3.2 In addition to the legislation, the Scottish Government issued non-statutory guidance to assist licensing authorities. It also issued guidance to letting agents and platforms, hosts and operators. The guidance indicates that all licensing authorities should have policies in place on certain matters. 3.3 Perth and Kinross Council’s Policy Statement on short-term let licensing was approved by the Licensing Committee on 22 September 2022 (report 22/233 refers). At the same time, the fees for short-term let applications were approved. 3.4 The legislation provided for a transitional period to allow all existing short-term let operators to apply for the new licence. That period ended on 30 September 2023 3.5 The transition period was a challenging one for licensing staff, the Council’s legal advisors, Democratic Services and Councillors who sit on the Licensing Committee. Whilst additional staff were employed within the Licensing team to deal with short-term lets licensing, resources had to be deployed from elsewhere in the licensing team to support them given the sheer volume of applications that required to be processed. Incomplete submissions and inadequate information being provided by applicants added to the demand. Common issues as regards the quality of applications included: Failure to provide evidence that electrical/gas safety inspections had been undertaken Delays by operators in getting the necessary safety checks completed Failure to address safety issues raised in inspections Failure by operators to submit the correct licence application types Failure by operators to respond to licensing staff requests for critical information to progress their applications Failure to engage with Scottish Fire and Rescue Services to resolve outstanding safety issues Incomplete applications submitted by operators. Often, no supporting documents were provided at all. Page 20 of 78
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3.6 The task was further complicated by “advice” and “guidance” that was circulating from interest groups and other stakeholders which at times conflicted with the legislation and our own policy and procedures. A significant amount of resource was expended in educating operators and trying to mitigate the damage which these mixed messages has done in terms of the Council’s relationship with both applicants and other stakeholders. 3.7 Despite the transition period being one year for existing operators, there was an influx of applications during the last week of the prescribed period which placed an unprecedented level of demand on staff. This was further complicated by the fact that the final day for applications to be submitted was a Saturday. The figures below set out the numbers of applications received during the last week of the transition period: Last week of transition period: 728 applications Final working day: 376 applications Deadline day – 30 September: 180 applications 4. Implementation update 4.1 As at 5 February 2025 there have been 2261 applications for short-term let licences comprising: 1710 applications from existing operators during the transition period from 30 September 2022 to 30 September 2023; and 551 applications have been received from new operators. 4.2 Of these 2261 licence applications: 1930 licence applications were granted. 39 licence applications were granted with Additional Conditions. 2 licence applications were refused. 5 granted licences have been surrendered to date due to sale or closure of business. 7 granted licences have been transferred or are in the process of being transferred. 108 objections and/or letters of representation were received which resulted in 44 licence applications being brought before the Licensing Committee for further consideration. the remaining applications are either still in progress or were withdrawn and resubmitted due to incorrect licence type applications being submitted. 4.3 Dealing with the 108 objections and processing the 44 applications that required to be considered by the Licensing Committee was a time- consuming exercise. Significant time was spent giving guidance to both applicants and objectors on process, grounds and expectations. Page 21 of 78
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These applications impacted not only on the licensing staff but also officers from legal and democratic services and from the elected members on the Licensing Committee with an additional eight Special Committee Meetings required over and above the eleven scheduled Committee Meetings. 4.4 A further 59 objections or representations were resolved by staff working with members of the public or statutory consultees, prior to being scheduled for consideration by the Licensing Committee. The work required to bring these matters to a satisfactory conclusion whilst significant, does support best value and better customer service in that it helps us to reduce processing times, ensures communities are heard and prospective licence holders are provided an opportunity to resolve concerns expeditiously. It also avoids the need to have matters dealt with formally via the Committee. 4.5 It is encouraging also to note that formal complaints regarding the operation of specific short-term lets have been few and in the main relate to: Complaints of unlicensed short-term let operations Antisocial Behaviour complaints from neighbours Guest experiences (these complaints are referred to Consumer Advice Scotland for rerouting to Perth and Kinross Council Trading Standards where applicable) 5. Policy Statement update 5.1 On 29 August 2024 the relevant short terms lets licensing legislation was amended by way of The Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Short-term Lets) Amendment Order 2024. This amended legislation came into force unexpectedly early on 30 August 2024 giving Licensing staff little notice and no time to implement processes to accommodate the legislative changes which included: Amendment of defined terms included in the 2022 Order to provide further specificity Amendment to exclude specific accommodation provided to guests in hospitals, nursing homes, residential care homes, sheltered housing, amongst others Amendment to provide flexibility to temporary exemption from the requirement to obtain a short-term let licence to specified property Process for provisional licences for premises which have yet to be built for short-term let use. This is similar to the process under Alcohol Licensing. Provision for transfer of short-term let licences to facilitate sale of business or otherwise Page 22 of 78
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5.2 The Policy Statement (a tracked change copy of which is attached at Appendix Two) has been reviewed to ensure that it complies with the amended legislation, updated Scottish Government guidance, as well as providing further clarification in relation to existing provisions. This now requires to be approved by the Committee. The relevant changes for ease of reference are: An updated list of Additional Conditions which could be applied, as required. Section 5 ‘Planning Considerations before applying for a Short-Term let Licence’ has been removed and will instead be located in a Guidance Note available on the Council website. We have provided explanation about new and updated Excluded Accommodation where a short-term let licence will not be required. We have updated Section 14 to take account of changes in legislation. Section 15 ‘Provisional Licence Applications’ has been added to take account of changes in legislation. Further information will be located in a Guidance Note available on the Council website. 6. Fees 6.1 The current licensing fees are set out within the updated Policy Statement attached as Appendix Two. In line with Scottish Government guidance, the fee structure differentiates between the types of short-term let licence and should be graded to reflect the different size of properties. The fees are also fixed at a level which aims to ensure full cost recovery to the Council in line with Council policy and in line with the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982. 6.2 Of the 1930 licences granted in Perth and Kinross only two licences were issued for a period of less than three years. This means that there will be a significant reduction in fee income for financial years 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 as income will only be generated through new applications and other processing such as transfers of licence. It is also worth noting that the legislation allowed 12 months to process all the existing operators who applied during the transition period. Consequently, fee income that was received in 2023 likely related to licences granted in 2024. Those licences will not be due to be renewed until financial year 2027/28. The income to date therefore has to fund the ongoing administration and implementation of the scheme in the interim on the basis of full cost recovery. 6.3 In line with the report previously submitted to the Licensing Committee on 22 September 2022, the fees have been reviewed. This is to ensure that they continue to be set at the right level. 6.4 Consideration has been given to whether economies of scale could be achieved for those hosts who have more than one short-term let. The experience and evidence to date suggests that the mandatory consultation element of the process is the only area where there could be potential economies of scale, because detailed safety and assurance checks still need to be undertaken for each individual accommodation unit. Page 23 of 78
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As the consultation process with the mandatory consultees is already substantially automated, any saving would be negligible and would be likely outweighed by the costs associated with changing the current internal operational processes. 6.5 Officers remain satisfied that the fees are set at the correct level and reflect the amount of work that is required to implement the licensing scheme properly. 6.6 Incomplete or incorrect data, failure to provide evidence of compliance etc. continues to be an issue which puts pressure on resources. An application received in complete order takes on average 10 weeks to process from receipt to granting of the licence. Legislation provides a nine-month processing period. Where an application is missing information the processing time increases to an average of 31 weeks. This is solely due to applicants not meeting safety requirements or missing critical information to complete the assessment process 6.7 Staff continue to educate and encourage applicants to submit complete applications, providing adequate and extensive information to support them through the process. This back and forth takes significant time and resources. 6.8 While renewal applications theoretically should be swifter to process, our experience so far is that new applications are evidencing the same competency issues in terms of inaccurate and incomplete data, failure to provide necessary certificates etc.. 6.9 From our discussions with other authorities, many have discovered that their fee structure does not cover the true cost of implementing the scheme. A survey of Scotland’s Local Authorities conducted by Scotland’s Housing Network indicates that 75% of respondents either have, or plan to, increase short-term let application fees. Already approved increases range from 2.5% up to as much as 40%. 6.10 We do not propose making any changes to our fee structure with the exception of an adjustment to make provision for the transfer of licences. 7. Compliance and Enforcement 7.1 The approach to compliance and enforcement is set out in the Policy Statement. 7.2 Staff are in the process now of contacting Licensees to evidence compliance on an ongoing basis. There is an emerging concern about a number of Licensees already having out-of-date safety documentation. Page 24 of 78
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7.3 From a sample of 60 current licence holders canvassed for safety compliance 53 resulted in one or more of the following: 11 failing to respond to licensing staff requests for critical information (work is ongoing to secure compliance) At least 33 failing to provide evidence that electrical/gas safety inspections had been undertaken Delays by operators in getting the necessary safety checks completed 7.4 It is concerning that of the 60 operators sampled, only four continued to meet all of the safety compliance checks. This highlights the need for ongoing safety and assurance checks in order to protect the public. 7.5 Staff continue to encounter resistance to requests for evidencing compliance, as they are legally bound to do. Efforts continue to educate and inform licence holders so as to ensure they understand their responsibilities and our duties as a licensing authority. 7.6 From the sampling of 60 operators, at least 5 properties had been sold or were no longer operating but they had failed to inform the Council. This too creates additional and unnecessary work for the licensing team. 7.7 The Council has no direct enforcement powers in relation to unlicenced operators. This is a matter for Police Scotland. However, Enforcement Officers will continue to engage and work with identified unlicensed operators to ensure that they apply for a licence and obtain all the required safety assurances. Continued non-compliance would result in the matter being referred to Police Scotland. 7.8 Licensing Enforcement Officers will therefore put in a place a schedule of compliance visits with operators whilst also responding to complaints and concerns from members of the public as they arise. 7.9 While consultation with the Perth and Kinross Council Planning Department is not a mandatory requirement given there is currently no Control Area in Perth and Kinross, notification is provided to the Planning Department to assist in their own compliance and enforcement activities. This has resulted in additional work for Licensing staff, and also presumably increased activity for the Planning Department. 8. Renewal of Licences 8.1 On the basis of evidence to date and ongoing compliance issues, it is anticipated that the process for renewal applications will require similar resources to those needed for initial applications for Short-term Lets Licences. 8.2 We will continue to monitor implementation of the scheme as well as reviewing and refining our internal procedures. As previously agreed, we will review the fee structure again ahead of the first renewal cycle. Any proposed changes will be brought back to a future committee for approval. Page 25 of 78
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9. Conclusion 9.1 Perth and Kinross Council has an appropriate and effective scheme in place for the licencing of short term lets across the area. 9.2 A programme of enforcement work is underway and the Council will continue to work in partnership with Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue to ensure the ongoing health and safety of the public. 9.3 The fee structure remains fit for purpose and covers the full cost of scheme implementation. Subject to an amendment to include the fee for a transfer of licence, no change to the existing structure is necessary, 10. Impact Value Assessment 10.1 Short-term Let Licensing Fees - IVA 11. Appendices 11.1 Appendix A – Short-term Lets Licensing Policy Statement – revisions shown Page 26 of 78
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2 Licensing Short-term Lets Licensing Policy Statement The Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Short-term Lets) Order 2022 and The Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Short-term Lets) Amendment Order 2024 Revised 10 March 2025 5 Page 27 of 78
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3 Contents Parts 1. Policy – Comment and Review ........................................................................... 2 2. Overview ............................................................................................................. 3 3. Implementation of 2022 Order and 2024 Amendment Order in Perth and Kinross 4 4. What needs a Licence? ....................................................................................... 6 5. Planning Considerations before applying for a Short-term Let Licence ............... 8 6. Excluded Accommodation ................................................................................. 10 7. Excluded Tenancies .......................................................................................... 13 8. Making an Application for a Licence .................................................................. 15 9. Grounds of Refusal ........................................................................................... 27 10. Conditions attached to a Short-term Let Licence ........................................... 29 11. Public Register .............................................................................................. 30 12. Fees .............................................................................................................. 31 13. Temporary Licence ........................................................................................ 33 14. Temporary Exemptions ................................................................................. 34 16. Provisional Licence Applications ................................................................... 35 17. Compliance and Enforcement ....................................................................... 35 18. Complaints..................................................................................................... 38 Annexes A Mandatory Licence Conditions B Additional Licence Conditions C Suggested Additional Licence Conditions Page 28 of 78
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4 If you need information from this document in an alternative language or in a Large Print, Easy Read, Braille or BSL, please telephone 01738 475180 Jeigu pageidaujate šio dokumento kita kalba arba atspausdinto stambiu šriftu, supaprastinta kalba, parašyta Brailio raštu arba britų gestų kalba, prašome skambinti 01738 475180 Dacă aveți nevoie de informații din acest document într-o altă limbă sau întrun format cu scrisul mare, ușor de citit, tipar pentru nevăzători sau în limbajul semnelor, vă rugăm să telefonați la 01738 475180 Jeśli potrzebowali będą Państwo informacji z niniejszego dokumentu winnym języku, pisanych dużą czcionką, w wersji łatwej do czytania, walfabecie Braille'a lub w brytyjskim języku migowym, proszę o telefoniczny kontakt na numer 01738 475180 Ja jums nepieciešama šai dokumentā sniegtā informācija kādā citā valodā vai lielā drukā, viegli lasāmā tekstā, Braila rakstā vai BSL (britu zīmju valodā), lūdzu, zvaniet uz 01738 475180 Page 29 of 78
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2 1. Policy – Comment and Review 1.1 Consultation on this document took place between 5 August 2022 and 25 August 2022. This Policy Statement was first published on 23 September 2022. This Policy will be kept under review and revised, if appropriate, by further Supplementary Policy Statements. The Policy will be applied unless or until so revised. It may also be subject to legislative change. In preparing this Short-term Lets Policy Statement, the Council has fulfilled its duties under the 2022 Licensing Order and the 2024 Amendment Order (respectively, the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Short-term Lets) Order 2022 and the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Short-term Lets) Amendment Order 2024). 1.2 In addition to a draft of this document being placed on the Council’s Consultation Hub, notice of the consultation leading to the adoption of this Short-term Lets Policy Statement was sent to the following: - All Community Councils within Perth and Kinross Perth and Kinross Council – Planning Loch Lomond and Trossachs - Planning Perth and Kinross Council – Environment Services Perth and Kinross Council – Housing Perth and Kinross Council – Safer Communities Police Scotland Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Perthshire Tourism Partnership Elected Members Perth Chamber of Commerce Scottish Association of Self-Caterers 1.31.2 Perth and Kinross adopted the Policy at the meeting of its Licensing Committee on 22 September 2022. 1.3 Perth and Kinross adopted the revised Policy at the meeting of its Licensing Committee on XXX. 1.4 Copies of this Policy Statement will be available for public inspection, during normal office hours, free of charge at – 2 High Street, Perth, PH1 5PH 1.5 Copies of this Policy Statement will also be available in pdf format on Perth and Kinross Council’s website. 1.6 All personal data will be processed in line with detailed privacy notices which will be displayed on the council’s website. Page 30 of 78
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3 2. Overview 2.1 The Short-Term Lets Licensing Order was passed by the Scottish Parliament on 19 January 2022 and came into force on 1 March 2022 - The Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Short-term Lets) Order 2022. 2.2 The Short-Term Lets Amendment Order was passed by the Scottish Parliament on 29 August 2024 and came into force on 30 August 2024 – The Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Short-term Lets) Amendment Order 2024 2.2 Section 44 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (“the 1982 Act” permits the Scottish Ministers to designate an activity as an activity for which a licence shall be required. The effect of the Order is that with effect from 1 October 2022, the use of accommodation for a short-term let is an activity for which a licence is required under the 1982 Act. 2.3 The purpose of the short-term lets licensing scheme – Short-term lets can offer people a flexible and cheaper travel option, and have contributed positively to Scotland’s tourism industry and local economies across the country. However, we know that in certain areas, particularly tourist hot spots, high numbers of short-term lets can cause problems for neighbours and make it harder for people to find homes to live in. 2.4 The aims of the licensing scheme are: to ensure all short-term lets are safe; to facilitate licensing authorities in knowing and understanding what is happening in their area; and to assist with handling complaints and address issues faced by neighbours effectively. 2.5 The Council’s Short-Term Lets Policy focuses on ensuring that an efficient, effective and proportionate licensing scheme is in place, which is customised to the needs and circumstances of the Council’s local area and supports applicants who wish to obtain a short-term let licence (“Licence”). The policy outlines how the Council will administer applications, collect fees and monitor short-term lets operations. 2.6 This document deals with the licensing of short-term lets. The legislation is within the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Short-term Lets) Order 2022 and The Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Short-term Lets) Amendment Order 2024. Thisese isare available on the Internet: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1982/45/contents https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2024/227/contents/made Page 31 of 78
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4 3. Implementation of 2022 Order and 2024 new lawAmendment Order in Perth and Kinross 3.1 On In Perth and Kinross, the new system will be implemented as follows: 3.1 1 March 2022 – the Short-Term Lets Licensing Order came into force in Scotland. 3.2 Anyone wishing to operate a short-term let within Perth and Kinross may only do so upon being granted a Short-Term Let Licence by the Council. 3.3 Anyone may advertise a short-term let operation in Scotland but may not take bookings or have guests stay until they have been granted a Short- Term Let Licence by the Council. 3.4 Subject to meeting the requirements detailed at section 8 below, anyone can submit a Short-Term Let Licence application to the Local Authority. The table below summaries the key dates for potential applicants to consider: Date Hosts operating a short-term let before October 2022 Never operated a short-term let before 1 October 2022 1 October 2022 You can continue to operate your premises as a short-term let complying with existing laws and regulations; You must apply to the Licensing Authority where your premises is situated for a short-term let licence; If your short-term let licence application is refused by the Licensing Authority, you must stop using your premises as a short-term let within 28 days of decision unless an appeal has been lodged and has not yet been determined. Existing Hosts and Operators – If you were using your premises as a short- term let before 1 October 2022 then you have until 1 April 2023 to apply for a short-term let licence. During the period from 1 October 2022 to submitting your licence application (if If you wish to operate a short-term let you must apply to the Licensing Authority in which your premises is situated; and Must not operate a short-term let without a licence being granted by the Council where your premises is situated. New Hosts – if you were not using your premises to provide a short- term let before 1 October 2022 you can advertise the premises as a short-term let but you cannot take bookings or have guests stay until have been granted a short-term let licence by this Council. Subject to meeting the requirements detailed at section 7.14 below, you can submit a short-term let application Page 32 of 78
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5 lodged prior to 1 April 2023) and it being determined, you can continue to operate your premises as a short- term let. Please note that you must submit a licence application by 1 April 2023 to continue operating as a short-term let until your application is determined. You will require to provide evidence of your premises being used as a short-term let for example details of payments received for bookings prior to the 1 October 2022 with your application. If your grant application is refused you cannot continue to operate your premises as a short- term let, unless an appeal has been lodged and has not yet been determined. on or after 1 October 2022 to the Licensing Authority. 1 April 2023 Can only operate without a licence if a short-term let licence application has been submitted to the Licensing Authority where your premises is situated, and it has not been refused; You must stop operating as a short- term let if your application is refused by the Licensing Authority, subject to appeal. As per above. 1 July 2024 All hosts must have a short-term let licence. As per above. 3.23.5 It is a criminal offence to operate a short-term let without a Licence. Section 7 of the 1982 Act sets out four offences, as set out below. These offences currently attract fines on the standard scale. Depending on The Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 activity, different punishments apply. The default is a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale. (See section 16.3 of this policy). Operating without a licence Failing to comply with a licence condition Failing to notify a change Making a false statement Page 33 of 78
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6 4. What needs a Licence? 4.1 “Short-term let” means: (a) the use of residential accommodation (b) provided by a host (c) in the course of business (d) to a guest (e) where there is a charge made. An arrangement in the course of business will normally involve setting out some terms and conditions in a contract which the guest has accepted. An arrangement in the course of business includes taking a booking on-line or over the phone. 4.2 There are four types of licence for Short-term let accommodation. The licence granted must be for either: (a) secondary letting which means – the letting of property that is not, or is not part of, your primary residence. Examples include a second home, accommodation above a garage, a ‘granny flat’ that does not share an adjoining door with your primary residencewhere you do not normally live, for example a second home; (b) home letting which means – using all or part of your own homeprimary residence for short- term lets whilst you are absent, for example whilst you are on holiday; (c) home sharing which means – using all or part of your own home for short-term lets whilst you are there present. Examples include a room within your primary residence, a B&B, or a ‘granny flat’ that shares an adjoining door with your primary residence; and (d) home letting and home sharing which means – you operate short-term lets from your own homeprimary residence for periods while you are living thereabsent and also for periods when you are absent are present. Page 34 of 78
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7 The application form will ask you to confirm what type of Licence you are applying for when submitting your application. You must select one of the above types of licence. 4.3 “Primary Residence” means the main residence or principal home where you have the greatest personal ties. For example, a primary or main residence may be where you are registered with a doctor or dentist, where you are registered to vote, where you receive post or as reflected on your Driving Licence, where your children attend school, etc. 4.4 An operation will not be a short-term let if it meets any of the below criteria – (a) if the guest (a person occupying property for the purposes of a short- term let) uses the accommodation as their only or principal home, (b) the guest is – (i) an immediate family member of the host if they are: your partner (spouse, civil partner or someone you live with as if you were married to them) you or your partner’s: parent or grandparent, child, stepchild, foster child or grandchild or brother or sister the partner of one of your: parents or grandparents, children, stepchildren, foster children or grandchildren, or brothers or sisters. (ii) sharing the accommodation with the host for the principal purpose of advancing the guest’s education as part of an arrangement made or approved by a school, college, or €further or higher educational institution, or (iii) an owner or part-owner of the accommodation, (c) the accommodation is provided for the principal purpose of facilitating the provision of work or services by the guest to the host or to another member of the host’s household, (d) the accommodation is excluded accommodation (see section 6 of this policy – Excluded Accommodations), (e) the short-term let does constitute an excluded tenancy (see section 7 of this policy – Excluded AccommodationsTenancies). Page 35 of 78
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8 5. Planning Considerations before applying for a Short-term Let Licence 5.1 The Council has a Guidance Note about planning considerations which operators should consider before deciding to operate a short-term let. This will be available on the Council website. Under the Town and Country Planning (Short-term Let Control Areas) (Scotland) Regulations 2021, the Planning Authority can introduce Short-term Let Control Zones which would require any change of use for a premises to obtain planning permission. In addition, Short-term Let Control Areas would require all Licence applications, for any of the four types of licences to have planning permission (where required) before applying for a licence. However, if any Short-term Let Control Areas are introduced in Perth and Kinross in the future, then applicants and Licence Holders should note that where planning permission may not be required at present for a short-term let licence this position would change. These Licence Holders should note that it is a mandatory condition of a Licence that, if the premises falls within a Short-term Let Control Area, the Licence Holder must ensure that an application for planning permission under the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 has been made or is in force. This means that if a Short-term Let Control Area is introduced during the period of your Licence, where planning permission was not initially required at the time of applying and being granted a Licence, you would have to apply for planning permission or a certificate of lawfulness as applicable, or if you continued to operate your short-term let once planning permission or a certificate has been refused you would be in breach of a licence condition and enforcement action may be necessary. The Council recognises the current position within Perth and Kinross regarding Short- term Let Control Areas could change and will ensure this Policy is reviewed to take account of any Short-term Control Areas that may be introduced within Perth and Kinross in the future. Please note that the introduction of any Short-term Let Control Area would fall under the Council as Planning Authority to implement and not the Council as Licensing Authority. 5.1 Planning permission Under the 1982 Act, a preliminary ground for refusing to consider a short-term let licence is that the use of the premises for a short-term let would constitute a breach of planning control under the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 by virtue of section 123 (1)(a) or (b) of that Act. Currently, planning permission is required by Perth and Kinross Council (the Planning Authority) if the use of a residential property as a short-term let is deemed to be material change of use. In determining if there is a material change of use or not, the Planning Authority have introduced a checklist for when planning permission is required for the use of a property as a short-term let. If the answer is ‘yes’ to any of Page 36 of 78
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9 the below questions, then planning permission is deemed to be required. The questions are as follows: 1. Is your property a flat? 2. Do any of your guests have to access the property via any communal areas? (ie shared gardens, stairwells, etc.) 3. Does your property share a communal parking area? (ie it does not have its own designated space) 4. Will any of your guests be regularly checking in or out at unsociable hours? (between 9pm and before 7am) 5. Does your property have an external hot tub, an external living area (or similar), for use by guests in a predominately residential area? 6. Do you allow parties to be held in the property by guests? (including accepting stag and hen bookings etc) 7. Will the use of your property as a short-term let impact security for neighbours? (ie the use of keyboxes for access and shared areas, such as entranceways or gardens) 8. Have you changed any public rooms into additional accommodation? (ie changing a living room to a bedroom) 9. Do you consider that the use of the property might detract from the character or amenity of the area in any way? A dedicated web page has also been created to assist in determining if planning permission is required: https://www.pkc.gov.uk/shorttermletsandplanning Should you remain unsure as to whether planning permission is required for a short- term let, please contact developmentmanagement@pkc.gov.uk , providing as much information as possible. Should in the future, Perth and Kinross Council introduce a Short-Term Let Control Area, then the use of a residential property for short-term letting within the designated Control Area would be deemed a material change of use and would require planning permission. Guidance for hosts and operators can be found here: - 2. Guidance for Hosts and Operators - Short-term lets: planning guidance for hosts and operators - gov.scot (www.gov.scot) Please note that all short-term let licence applications received where the premises is within the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park will be sent for determination to their Planning Department as they have full planning authority for that area. 5.2 Short-term let Control Areas Page 37 of 78
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10 Under the Town and Country Planning (Short-term Let Control Areas) (Scotland) Regulations 2021, the Planning Authority can introduce Short-term Let Control Zones which would require any change of use for a premises to obtain planning permission. In addition, Short-term Let Control Areas would require all short-term let licence applications, for any of the four types of licences to have planning permission (where required) before applying for a licence. Presently, there are no Short-term Let Control Areas in place within Perth and Kinross. 6. Excluded Accommodationsions The following are not short-term lets: 6.1 Accommodation provided by guests For example, where guests bring their own tent (as opposed to glamping where the tent is normally fixed and provided by the host). 6.2 Hotels, with planning consent to operate as a hotel. The majority of hotels are excluded through being licensed to provide accommodation under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 (see 6.3 below). 6.3 Premises Licensed under other licensing schemespremises, Under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 where the provision of accommodation is an activity listed in the Operating Plan and included in the licensed footprint on the Layout Plan(s) which form part of the licence, or which otherwise requires a licence for use for hire for overnight stays. For example: if you operate a restaurant with rooms or an inn which is already licensed specifically to offer accommodation then you are not providing short-term lets. o if you provide licensed caravans, you are not providing short-term lets Even if you have an HMO (Houses in Multiple Occupancy) Licence under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 for your property, you will still need a short-term lets licence if it is also used for short-term lets. This is the case whether or not you live at the premises covered by your HMO licence. 6.36.4 Mobile accommodation Accommodation which is capable of transporting your guests at the time of their stay for example: where you hire out canal boats or yachts or motor homes. Page 38 of 78
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11 However, a previously mobile unit that had been immobilised, such as an old tractor or a caravan in a tree would not be excluded. The following types of more specialist types of accommodation are also excluded - 6.46.5 Aparthotels Accommodation comprising of five or more serviced apartments in a residential building where at least the following criteria are met: - (a) the whole building is owned by the same person, (b) a minimum number of 5 serviced apartments are managed and operated as a single business, (c) the building has a shared entrance for the serviced apartments, (d) the serviced apartments do not share an entrance with any other flat or residential unit within the building, (e) services are provided to guests (such as housekeeping, a telephone desk, reception, or laundry), (f) each apartment contains its own washing, cooking and dining facilities separately from each of the other apartments, and (g) there is a management system in place to prevent anti-social behaviour and to impose maximum occupancy limits of the apartments. 6.56.6 A Bothy A building of no more than two storeys which - (a) does not have any form of— (i) mains electricity, (ii) piped fuel supply, and (iii) piped mains water supply, (b) is 100 metres or more from the nearest public road (within the meaning of section 151 of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984), and (c) is 100 metres or more from the nearest habitable Building. 6.66.7 Educational accommodation Residential schools, colleges, training centres and purpose-built student accommodation that has been built or converted predominantly for the Page 39 of 78
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12 purpose of being provided to students. Student halls of residence, for example, are excluded but houses and flats which are normally let to students (perhaps during a summer period when student tenants have moved back home for the summer and are being used as short-term lets) are not excluded. 6.76.8 Hostels and Refuges A hostel building where the following is provided – residential accommodation and meals, or shared facilities to prepare it, other than in single a dwellinghouse. refuge for victims of domestic abuse Refuges include accommodation for women escaping domestic violence for example. 6.86.9 Health and care accommodation Residential accommodation where personal care is provided to residents. Examples include residential care homes, hospitals and nursing homes. This includes guest rooms provided for the purposes of visiting residents of this type of accommodation. 6.96.10 Secure residential accommodation Prisons, young offenders institutions, detention centres, secure training centres, custody centres, short-term holding centres, secure hospitals, secure local authority accommodation or military barracks. 6.11 Sheltered Housing Accommodation which is: (a) purpose built or designed to accommodate vulnerable adults, (b) which enables those vulnerable adults to live independently, and (c) where assistance or support is provided for those vulnerable adults. This includes guest rooms provided for the purposes of visiting residents of this type of accommodation. 6.106.12 Shift accommodation Accommodation owned by an employer and provided to an employee in terms of a contract of employment or for the better performance of the employee’s duties. This includes accommodation provided by companies and other bodies to employees as part of a contract or to help them perform their duties. For example, caretakers or workers on an oil rig (insofar as Page 40 of 78
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13 the accommodation is within Scottish territorial waters), where shifts extend into multiple days. The Council would always recommend that people take their own independent legal advice on whether their accommodation would require a Licence. The Licensing Authority cannot provide legal advice on whether a premises is excluded from requiring a licence. 7. Excluded Tenancies An excluded tenancy means a tenancy which falls within any of the following definitions - (a) a protected tenancy (within the meaning of Section 1 of the Rent (Scotland) Act 1984), (b) an assured tenancy (within the meaning of section 12 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 1988), (c) a short assured tenancy (within the meaning of section 32 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 1988), (d) a tenancy of a croft (within the meaning of section 3 of the Crofters(Scotland) Act 1993), (e) a tenancy of a holding situated out with the crofting counties (within the meaning of section 61 of the Crofters (Scotland) Act 1993 Act to which any provisions of the Small Landholders (Scotland) Acts, 1886 to 1931 applies, (f) a Scottish secure tenancy (within the meaning of section 11 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001), (g) a short Scottish secure tenancy (within the meaning of section 34 of The Housing (Scotland) Act 2001), (h) a 1991 Act tenancy (within the meaning of section 1(4) of the Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Act 2003), (i) a limited duration tenancy (within the meaning of section 93 of the Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Act 2003), (j) a modern limited duration tenancy (within the meaning of section 5A of the Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Act 2003), (k) a short limited duration tenancy (within the meaning of section 4 of the Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Act 2003), (l) a tenancy under a lease under which agricultural land is let for the purpose of being used only for grazing or mowing during some Page 41 of 78
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14 specified period of the year (as described in section 3 of the Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Act 2003), (m) a private residential tenancy (within the meaning of section 1 of the Private (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016) or; (n) a student residential tenancy. Excluded property extends to property which is part of any of the above. So, for example: self-catering property in the grounds of a licensed hotel would also be excluded if that property is part of the licensed area. The Council would always recommend that people take their own independent legal advice on whether their accommodation would require a Short-term let licence. The Licensing Authority cannot provide legal advice on whether a premises is excluded from requiring a Licence. Page 42 of 78
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15 8. Making an Application for a Licence 8.1 The Council will provide information regarding Licence applications on its website. This information will be updated regularly. The webpage can be found at: https://www.pkc.gov.uk/shorttermlets 8.2 All applicants for the grant and renewal of a Licence must complete the Licence application form available online at https://www.pkc.gov.uk/article/22511/Short-term-lets-licensing-scheme together with the appropriate documentation and fee. Paper applications for material changes and transfers are available upon request by contacting the Licensing Department: By post: Perth and Kinross Council Licensing Department 2 High Street Perth PH1 5PH By email: stl@pkc.gov.uk By telephone: 01738 475195 8.28.3 An application for a Licence, under the legislation, can be made by a person other than the owner of the premises. Where this is the case, the applicant must ensure they provide the relevant consent from the owner(s) as detailed in section 8.13 below. 8.38.4 Part of the application form will require the applicant to provide a declaration to the Licensing Authority that they can comply with the Mandatory Conditions attached to a Licence, including all the documentation detailed within these Mandatory Conditions. Further information on the Mandatory Conditions can be found at section 10 below. Applicants should be mindful that the Council and Council Officers can request any documentation referred to in the Mandatory Conditions at any time during the consideration of an application or the period of the licence, if granted. Applicants should note that a breach of a condition is a criminal offence under the 1982 Act. 8.48.5 The outcome of applications for the grant or renewal of short-term lets licences will be decided by Council Officers unless Objections or Representations are received. 8.5 A unique licence number will be given to existing hosts and operators who apply for a licence before 1 April 2023. This is known as a provisional licence number and will allow existing hosts to continue operating until their application has been determined. Anyone applying after 1 April 2023 cannot operate whilst their application is being determined. Page 43 of 78
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16 8.6 Licence numbers will be issued in a consistent format to assist letting agencies and platforms in being able to use the licence number provided by the host or operator in their listings. The format of the licence number, alongside information contained in the public register, will allow anybody to identify: the Council that issued the licence (and therefore the area to which the licence relates); the type of short-term let to which the licence relates (public register); and the type of licence issued. 8.7 If there are Objections or Representations received, the Objector and the applicant will be invited to attend at a Licensing Committee Meeting. The Licensing Committee will decide whether to grant the application. It should be noted that if an application is refused, then the applicant cannot apply for a Licence within one year of the date of refusal unless there has been a material change in circumstances. The Council determines if the change is material, not the applicant. An applicant who wishes to reapply for a licence for the same premises within one year of the date or refusal, citing a material change of circumstances, must contact the Licensing Department by email to stl@pkc.gov.uk for further information. 8.8 In deciding whether to grant or renew a Licence, the Council will consider each Application on its own merits and will take into account the following: any Objections or Representations this Licensing Policy Statement Scottish Government Guidance any other relevant considerations 8.9 Licences will generally be issued for three years but can be for a shorter period if the Council deems this appropriate (Schedule 1, Paragraph 8 of the 1982 Act as modified by the Licensing Order). Each licence will have a reference number and confirm the expiry date. The duration applies from the date on which the licence comes into force. 8.10 Be aware that in assessing an application for a short-term lets Licence, the Council will consider: the suitability of the person applying and that of the other people named on the application form (whether they are “fit and proper”); compliance/ability to comply with Mandatory Conditions (applicable to all short-term lets across Scotland); compliance/ability to comply with any additional conditions that the Council might attach to the licence (either specific to the Page 44 of 78
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17 accommodation, or specific to short-term lets in Perth and Kinross); and the suitability of the premises in the context of Perth and Kinross Council’s policies. 8.11 Renewal (a) Under the 1982 Act, if an application for a Licence renewal application has been made to the Council before the expiry date of the current licence, the licence will stay in effect until a final decision has been made on the renewal application. (b) If a renewal application has been refused by the Licensing Committee, the existing licence will remain in effect for a period of 28 days from the date of the decision, the appeal period, and where an appeal has been lodged, until such time as the appeal has been determined by the Court. (c) The process for applying for a renewal is the same as when applying for a new Licence. Guidance for applicants can be found on the Council’s Short-term lets licensing scheme - Perth & Kinross Council (pkc.gov.uk). In deciding whether to renew the licence, the Council will consider the operation of the short-term let during the period of the licence, any allegations of offences and/or breaches of licence conditions, and any Objections or Representations. In relation to the required documentation that should be submitted with a renewal application, please see 8.13 below. 8.12 The Council may issue reminder notices to hosts and operators to remind them to renew their licence prior to the expiry date of the licence. However, it ultimately is the responsibility of the Licence Holder to ensure that the Licence is renewed prior to the expiry date. If the expiry date passes and the Licence Holder then applies for a licence, that application will be treated as a new application (as opposed to an application for the renewal of an existing licence). It would be a criminal offence to continue operating that short-term let without a Short-Term Let Licence. 8.13 Documentation Required when submitting an Application Applicants should be aware that an application for a Licence will not be accepted or processed without the following documentation being provided (where applicable): - (a) Planning Permission:– The Council may refuse to consider an application for a short-term let if the host or operator of a dwelling house within a short-term let control area needs planning permission but does not have it. The high-level policy purpose behind control areas is as follows: Page 45 of 78
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18 “to help manage high concentrations of secondary letting (where it affects the availability of residential housing or the character of a neighbourhood); to restrict or prevent short-term lets in places or types of building where it is not appropriate; and to help local authorities ensure that homes are used to best effect in their areas”. It is a mandatory condition that a host or operator has planning permission, or has made an application for planning permission, where all of the following conditions apply: their premises is in a control area; they are using it for secondary letting; and it is a dwelling house. In these circumstances, the host or operator must have made an application for planning permission or already have planning permission before they apply for a licence. In most cases, planning applications are determined within two months. (b) Evidence of Operation as a Short-term Let before 1 October 2022 Where an applicant has been operating a short-term let before 1 October 2022, the applicant will be required to certify and provide evidence of this when submitting a short-term let licence application. Checks to establish this may be made by Council Officers. (c)(a) Consent from owner(s) Owner is not the applicant As detailed in section 8, an application for a short-term lets licence does not have to be made by the owner of the premises. However, where a Licence applicant is not also the owner of the premises, the applicant must provide a Declaration by Owner form providing consent from the owner. If the title to the premises is held by more than one owner all owners must provide a Declaration by Owner form providing consent. In limited circumstances, or a person authorised to act on behalf of the owner(s) may be able to provide consent. For example, a senior member with of a corporate entity with designated authority to do so. One owner The application form allows for a declaration to be made by the applicant while completing the form to confirm that they are the sole owner of the premises. No Declaration by Owner form providing consent is required where the premises is both: Page 46 of 78
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19 owned by one person, and that same person is both the applicant and Licence Holder. More than one owner Where the premises is owned by more than one person (shared ownership), a partnership, corporate entity or similar, all owners must provide a Declaration by Owner form providing consent for the application to be made. These Declarations must be submitted with the application. In limited circumstances, a person authorised to act on behalf of the owner(s) may be able to provide consent. For example, a senior member of a corporate entity with designated authority to do so. Further guidance can be found on our website at https://www.pkc.gov.uk/article/22511/Short-term-lets-licensing-scheme 8.14 Notice of Application Under the 1982 Act, the applicant must display a public notice at or near the premises which is the subject of the Licence application and must include the following information: The licence application type (new or renewal); The type of Licence applied for (Secondary Letting, Home Letting, Home Sharing, Home Letting and Home Sharing); If an individual, the applicant’s full name and address; If not an individual, then the full name of the applicant organisation together with the registered or principal office address, names of directors or persons responsible for the management of the premises; If an individual, the full name of any person responsible for the day to day management of the short-term let(a mandatory condition is that this can only be the licence holder); If not an individual, then the full name of the organisation responsible for the day to day management of the short-term let, together with its registered or principal office address; address of the premises relating to the Licence application; the number of bedrooms in the premises; details of any other short-term let licence that has been granted to the applicant; the name and address of the owner(s) where the application is not the owner of the premises or the land on which the premises is located; confirmation that the owners consent to the application (this would be included within the application form); and where objections or representations in relation the application can be made to the 28-day timescale for submitting an objection or representation, and Page 47 of 78
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20 the statutory requirements of an objection or representation (for example - in writing, providing name and address). [Further information regarding objections and representations can be found at section 8.16 below]. The prescribed Public Notice of Information form can be found on the Council’s webpage at https://www.pkc.gov.uk/article/22511/Short-term-lets-licensing-scheme The Public Notice of Information must be displayed: in a place where it can conveniently be read by the passing public for a period of 21 consecutive days from the date that the Licence application is lodged with the Council in a prominent position and should not be displayed in the window of the premise. For example, it could be displayed on a gate or lamp post outside the premises. Council Officers may request that you submit photographic evidence to ensure that the Public Notice of Application has been displayed correctly and may request that another notice is displayed for a further 21 days if not satisfied that the procedure has been carried out correctly. Applicants are required to certify compliance that they have displayed the Notice of Application as soon as possible after 21 days since first posting the notice has passed. A Certificate of Compliance template document is available on the Council’s webpage at https://www.pkc.gov.uk/article/22511/Short-term-lets-licensing-scheme 8.15 Consultees The Council will send a copy of all applications received to the following consultees:- Police Scotland (statutory consultee); and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (statutory consultee) Perth and Kinross Planning Department other appropriate enforcing authority 8.158.16 Objections and Representations Who may submit a representation or objection The Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 permits anyone to state an objection or representation to a licence application (excluding temporary applications). Those submitting representations or objections can include individual residents or businesses, customers, public bodies and community Councils. Page 48 of 78
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21 How to submit a representation or objection A representation or objection must be submitted within 28 days of public notice of the application being given. The objection or representation must: Be in writing by letter or e-mail; Specify the grounds of objection or, as the case may be, the nature of the representation; Specify the name and address of the person making it; Be signed by the objector, or on their behalf. (For objections or representations made by email the inclusion of the individual(s) name and address will count as a signature.) It is important that an objection or representation should be specific. It is not enough to say, “I object” or “I complain”. The letter of representation or objection must be sent by post or email to: By email: stl@pkc.gov.uk By post: Perth and Kinross Council Licensing Department 2 High Street Perth PH1 5PH Note: A petition of signatures is unlikely to be accepted as a valid objection or representation. If 100 people sign a petition, they are unlikely to all have the same complaints. The Licensing Committee must determine the weight to be placed on individual comments. In the common example of an objection or complaint based on nuisance or anti-social behaviour, the Council is likely to be more influenced by comments from immediate neighbours of the short-term let than from residents further away. If a person signs a petition without specifying their address, their comment is likely to be disregarded. Content included in representations or objections The Licence applicant is entitled to fair notice of complaints included in an objection or representation. If the objection or representation is based on alleged incidents, then for each alleged incident, the objector should answer questions such as: what happened? what was the day, date and time? was there any official complaint (e.g., to Police, Council)? if so, what action was taken? What can a Licensing Committee not consider as a representation or objection Page 49 of 78
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22 It is not possible to raise issues with the Licensing Committee which relate to legislation other than the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982. For example, issues regarding parking and Planning Permission are dealt with by the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 or the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997, and the Licensing Committee cannot deal with these. However, the Licensing Committee may accept that the issues raised are also relevant to the statutory Grounds for Refusal (for example, the ground in Paragraph 9(5)(d), where the Grant or Renewal of the Licence is said to be inappropriate, having regard to specified factors). Process for considering objections or representations The Council will acknowledge receipt of any objections or representations. Those objections or representations will be redacted to remove the email, telephone number and signature, as well as any other sensitive information. The Council then will provide the applicant with redacted copies of any objections or representations received. The person(s) objecting or submitting a representation, as well as the applicant, will be invited to a meeting of the Licensing Committee on notice of 14 days where the Licensing Committee will make a decision on the Application. Consideration of Late Objections/Representations The Council is entitled (but not obliged) to accept a late objection or representation if there is a sufficient reason why it was not made in time. , so iIf the person sends a late representation or objection is submittedletter, it should explain what the sufficient reason is for making a late submission. There is no guarantee that the Licensing Committee will accept a late lettersubmission of representation or objection. 8.17 Determination of an Application The Council will determine each application on its own merits. Where no objections or representations received Applications where no objections or representations have been received from any of the consultees or members of the public will usually be granted under delegated powers by Council Officers. Where objections or representations received Where applications have received a valid representation or objection from any of the consultees and/or a member of the public, these will be considered by the Licensing Committee at a meeting to consider and determine the application. Both applicants and objectors will be given an opportunity to be heard at the by the Licensing Committee who will determine the application. Those submitting late Page 50 of 78
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23 representations or objections will be invited to attend a meeting of the Licensing Committee to determine the application and those representations or objections may be considered if the Licensing Committee is satisfied that the reasons provided for late submission are sufficient. Refusal The Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 provides grounds for refusal of a Licence. Any decision to refuse a Licence must be relevant to one or more of the grounds of refusal as detailed in the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 and section 9 below. Granting Where an application is granted, the applicant/Licence Holder will be provided with a unique short-term licence number. This number must be used in accordance with Mandatory Condition 14. Appeal of a Licensing Committee decision Note that where a Licence application has been refused by the Licensing Committee (or granted, as the case may be), there is a right of appeal under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982. An appeal should be made to the Sheriff Court within 28 days from the date of the refusal. Where an appeal has been lodged, the short-term licence will continue to have effect until such time as the appeal has been determined. Likewise, there is a right to request a Written Statement of Reasons from the Council if an application is granted or refused at a Licensing Committee Meeting. All such requests should be made within 21 days from the date of the decision and should be made by email or post to: By email: stl@pkc.gov.uk By post: Perth and Kinross Council Licensing Department 2 High Street Perth PH1 5PH Applicants should note that were their short-term let licence application has been refused by the Licensing Committee, they do have the right of appeal under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982. An appeal should be made to the Sheriff Court within 28 days from the date of the refusal. Where an appeal has been lodged, the short-term licence will continue to have effect until such time as the appeal has been determined. Applicants have the right to request a Statement of Reasons from the Council if their application is refused. Page 51 of 78
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24 Please note the Council is unable to give any legal advice in relation to appealing a decision and as such it is recommended that independent leal advice is sought. 8.168.18 Duration of Licences Grants and Renewals Licences generally will be issued for three years but may be granted for a shorter period if the Council deems this appropriate (Schedule 1, Paragraph 8 of the 1982 Act as modified by the Licensing Order). Each licence will have a reference number and confirm the expiry date. The duration of the Licence runs from the date on which the licence comes into force. In the event of a death of a short-term let Licence Holder, the Licence will be deemed to have been granted to the executor and will remain in force for a period of three months from the date of the Licence Holder’s death, unless the licence was previously suspended or revoked. Where the Council is satisfied that it is necessary for the purpose of winding up the estate: on request, in writing, by the executor the Council may extend this period further. 8.178.19 Variation The Council may vary the terms of a licence on any grounds they think fit and can do this at any time. This can be done following an application made to the Council by the Licence Holder on their own initiative. This could include adding additional conditions to the licence. The Council will consult with the statutory consultees and any other parties it considers appropriate. A fee will be charged to the applicant should they wish to vary their Licence. The Council may require the applicant to display a Notice of Application as per section 8.14 above. A variation application cannot, however, be used to substitute a new holder of the licence for the existing one i.e., effectively to transfer a licence. 8.188.20 Material Change in Circumstances A Licence Holder must notify the Licensing Department in writing as soon as possible where there is a material change in circumstances affecting the Licence Holder of the short-term let. 8.21 Transfer of Licence Page 52 of 78
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25 Under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Short-term Lets) Amendment Order 2024 a Licence Holder may apply to the Council to transfer a Licence to another person. The transfer application must be accompanied by the required information and consents to allow it to be processed. Police Scotland is the only consultee for transfer applications. Applications will generally be dealt with under delegated powers unless an objection or representation is received from Police Scotland. A fee is payable for processing of a transfer of a Licence. 8.198.22 Suspension or Revocation of a Short-term Let Licence The Council can suspend a Licence immediately if it is of the opinion that the carrying on of the activity to which the licence relates is causing or is likely to cause a serious threat to public order or public safety. This action would generally be taken on receipt of a complaint made by Police Scotland or Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. After an immediate suspension has taken place, the Licence Holder will be given an opportunity to attend a meeting before the Licensing Committee in relation to the matter which prompted the suspension. After hearing from the Licence Holder and a representative from Police Scotland and or Scottish Fire and Rescue Service the Licensing Committee then would determine whether to suspend the licence for a further period, revoke the licence, or take no further action. This meeting typically would take place within 6 weeks of the immediate suspension. The grounds for further suspending or revoking a Licence are detailed within Paragraph 11 of Schedule 1 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982. These are: - (a) the holder of the licence or, where the holder is not a natural person, any director of it or partner in it or any other person responsible for its management, is not or is no longer a fit and proper person to hold the licence; (b) the activity to which the licence relates is being managed by or carried on for the benefit of a person, other than the Licence Holder, who would have refused the grant or renewal of the licence under paragraph 5(3); (c) the carrying on of the activity to which the licence relates has caused, is causing or is likely to cause undue public nuisance or a threat to public order or public safety; (d) a condition of the licence has been contravened. 8.208.23 Timescale for Determining Applications Page 53 of 78
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26 Under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, the Council has nine months to determine a Licence application from the date it was received with all required documentation. It should however be noted that for applications received prior to April 2023 where the short-term let was in existence before 1 October 2022, the Council will have 12 months to determine the application. Page 54 of 78
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27 9. Grounds of Refusal The grounds for refusing a Licence are detailed in Paragraph 4 and 5 of Schedule 1 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 and are as follows: “A licensing authority shall refuse an application to grant or renew a licence if, in their opinion – (a) the applicant or, where the applicant is not a natural person, any director or it or partner in it or any other person responsible for its management, is either – (i) for the time being disqualified under section 7(6) of this Act, or (ii) not a fit and proper person to be the holder of a licence; (b) The activity to which it relates would be managed by or carried on for the benefit of a person, other than the applicant, who would be refused the grant or renewal of such a licence if he made the application himself; (c) where the licence applied for relates to an activity consisting of or including the use of premises or a vehicle or vessel, those premises are not or, as the case may be, that vehicle or vessel is not suitable or convenient for the conduct of the activity having regard to - (i) the location, character or condition of the premises or the character or condition of the vehicle or vessel; (ii) the nature and extent of the proposed activity; (iii) the kind of persons likely to be in the premises, vehicle or vessel; (iv) the possibility of undue public nuisance; or (v) public order or public safety; or (ca) the applicant would not be able to secure compliance with – (i) the mandatory licence conditions; (ii) the standard conditions and any further conditions under sub- Paragraph (1A) (b) to which the licence is to be subject, (cb) the application does not contain the information required under 7.14(d) (the consent of the owners of the premises); or (d) there is other good reason for refusing the application;” Page 55 of 78
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28 and otherwise shall grant the application. If none of these grounds of refusal exist, then the Licence will be granted. Page 56 of 78
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29 10. Conditions attached to a Short-term Let Licence 10.1 Mandatory Conditions Any Licence will be subject to Conditions. Under the 2022 Order, there are certain conditions which the Council must attached to a Licence, irrespective of the type of short-term let granted, whether it is Secondary Letting, Home Letting, Home Sharing or Home Letting and Home Sharing. These are known as “Mandatory Conditions” and are detailed at Annex A. Please note that the Council cannot amend these Mandatory Conditions. Prior to applying for a Licence applicants should ensure that they are able to comply with the Mandatory Conditions attached to the Licence. Applicants should also note that in terms of listing their premises as a licensed short-term let, as required under Mandatory Condition 14, the listing must include: the licence number provided by the Council, and the valid energy performance certificate rating) if an Energy Performance Certificate is required for the premises, in accordance with the Energy Performance of Buildings (Scotland) Regulations 2008. 10.2 Possible Additional Conditions The Council have set out additional conditions which may be imposed as required over and above the Mandatory Conditions to further assist compliance with the licensing purposes and aims of short-term lets. (See Annex BC – “Possible Additional Conditions”). The Council has discretion to apply further conditions to a Licence if it is deemed necessary. This will be determined on a case by case basis. It should be noted that the Council cannot impose an additional condition to a licence which limits the number of nights a premises may be used for Secondary Letting. 10.210.3 Maximum Capacity One of the Mandatory Conditions that is attached to all Licences is that the Licence Holder must ensure that the number of guests residing on the premises does not exceed the number specified in the licence. All applications will ask the applicant to confirm the number of guests residing in the premises. The Council do however have to provide a maximum number of guests who can stay on the premises at any one time on the Licence when it is issued. This is known as “maximum capacity”. Children under the age of two years old who occupy a cot will not be included in the number of guests for the purposes of calculating the fee or the maximum capacity. Children above the age limit specified above and any additional children of any age would count towards the occupancy. Page 57 of 78
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30 11. Public Register It is a statutory requirement that the Council maintains a public register of all short- term let licenses. The public register will be available on the Council’s webpage at https://www.pkc.gov.uk/article/22511/Short-term-lets-licensing-scheme. Page 58 of 78
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31 12. Fees The fee for a Licence depends on the type of Licence being applied for. Applications should be accompanied by the prescribed fee. The Licensing Order permits the Council to set reasonable fees. The total amount of fees receivable by the Council are sufficient to meet the expenses of the Council in exercising their functions under the Order. The fee will be reviewed annually in line with a review of licensing fees and will be incorporated within the list of Civic Licensing Fees. The fee will not be reduced or refunded if the application is refused, or the licence is granted for a shorter period than was requested. The fees are detailed below: - Page 59 of 78
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32 Number of Guests Home sharing and home letting licence Cost £ Secondary letting licence Cost £ 1-2 3 year Licence New/Renewal 175.00 3 year Licence New/Renewal 350.00 3-6 3 year Licence New/Renewal 265.00 3 year Licence New/Renewal 530.00 7-10 3 year Licence New/Renewal 450.00 3 year Licence New/Renewal 900.00 11+ 3 year Licence New/Renewal 800.00 3 year Licence New/Renewal 1600.00 Temporary licence 1-2 90.00 175.00 3-6 135.00 270.00 7-10 225.00 450.00 11+ 400.00 800.00 Temporary exemption application 1-2 45.00 90.00 3-6 70.00 135.00 7-10 115.00 225.00 11+ 200.00 400.00 Variation of licence 75.00 75.00 Material change of circumstances - premises 1-2 90.00 175.00 3-6 135.00 270.00 7-10 225.00 450.00 11+ 400.00 800.00 Material change of circumstance – Licence Holder 75.00 75.00 Duplicate licences 20.00 20.00 Certified true copy of any entry on the public register 20.00 20.00 Transfer of Licence £75.00 £75.00 Page 60 of 78
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33 13. Temporary Licence 13.1 A temporary licence may be granted for a duration of up to six weeks in exceptional circumstances. 13.2 A temporary licence number will be given, and conditions attached to the licence must be complied with. 13.3 The Council must consult the Chief Constable and Scottish Fire and Rescue in respect of an application for a temporary licence. 13.4 The Council considers that a temporary licence might be applied for in the following circumstances: - by someone who wishes to try short-term letting for a short period before deciding whether or not they wish to do this permanently, requiring a full licence application. Page 61 of 78
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34 14. Temporary Exemptions 14.1 A temporary exemption to the requirement to have a licence may only be granted for a period of up to 6 weeks in any period of 12 months. The 6- week limit is a maximum, and not a default.in relation to a specified property or properties if, in one calendar year— (a) there are no more than three separate periods of temporary exemption for that property or those properties, and (b) the total period of temporary exemption for that property or those properties (whether one, two or three periods of exemption are granted) is 6 weeks or less. 14.114.2 A temporary exemption application may take approximately 6 weeks to determine. 14.214.3 The Council has the authority to grant temporary exemptions to the requirement to have a licence. This can be for a specified single continuous period not exceeding 6 weeks in any period of 12 months. To get a temporary exemption, you need to apply for one. 14.314.4 Due to the purpose of short-term let safety requirements and to minimise the impact on communities and neighbours, the Council will only consider granting a temporary exemption in exceptional circumstance for example:- to accommodate a large influx of visitors over a short period to support exceptional events such as sports championship competitions and arts festivals, for example the Ryder Cup. 14.414.5 A temporary exemption from the requirement to have a licence does not affect the way planning rules apply. If any temporary changes to planning rules have been made (for example to handle a major international event), the Council will publicise these. 14.514.6 Licensing authorities may also attach conditions to an exemption. Conditions attached to a temporary exemption will include all Mandatory Conditions and if deemed high risk or deemed necessary, further additional conditions may be added. 14.614.7 The Chief Constable and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service will be consulted in respect of applications for temporary exemptions. Page 62 of 78
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35 15. Provisional Licence Applications A short-term let licence application can be made in relation to any premises despite the fact that, at the time the application is made, the premises are yet to be, or are in the course of being, constructed for use as a short-term let. The Council has a Guidance Note about provisional licence applications which operators should consider before deciding to operate a short-term let. This will be available on the Council website. 15.16. Compliance and Enforcement This Policy sets out the Council’s approach to monitoring compliance and enforcement of those person/s operating a short-term let. It makes clear the steps that the Council will take to monitor the compliance: of those required to apply for a short-term lets licence; when determining an application for a short-term lets licence; and of licensed short-term let operations, including hosts and operators. It also sets out The Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 and any action the Council may take if further action to enforce the requirements are necessary. Effective monitoring of compliance and enforcement is an important aspect of this policy and will help to achieve improved standards of practice and operation to ensure that all hosts and operators comply with their responsibilities. This will enable hosts and operators to compete on a fair basis, improve standards within the industry and instil greater consumer confidence when using a short-term let. 15.116.1 Principles and objectives (a) Principles Our approach to monitoring compliance and enforcement is founded upon the Scottish Government’s five principles of Better Regulation. The principles state that any regulation should be: Transparent - be open and keep regulations (and how they are implemented) simple and user-friendly. Accountable – be able to justify decisions and be subject to public scrutiny. Proportionate – only intervene when necessary. Remedies should be appropriate to the risk posed and costs identified and minimised. Consistent – rules and standards must be joined up and implemented fairly. Targeted – regulation should be focused on the problem and minimise the side effects. Page 63 of 78
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36 (b) Objectives This policy, sets out a framework for monitoring the compliance of those hosts and operators providing short-term lets. Our objectives are to: encourage and support compliance amongst those providing short-term lets; provide clear information to those undertaking short-term letting about how the Council will assess their fit and proper status, monitor compliance and support the enforcement of regulation; and reduce duplication and minimise unnecessary burden upon short-term let Licence Holders by targeting compliance activity on those assessed as being at greater risk of non-compliance. 15.216.2 Monitoring compliance In order to monitor compliance, Council Officers can undertake an inspection of the premises. Scottish Government Guidance enables a person authorised by the Council to inspect premises which appear to be being used for the purpose of short-term let accommodation. This gives the authorised person the ability to visit your premises and inspect both the premises and any records associated with the conditions attached to the Licence. In keeping with the principals of proper and targeted compliance, the Council may visit when considered necessary and will consider a range of factors when carrying out an inspection. This may include for example:- as part of considering your application; as part of a routine inspection; as a result of a complaint from a guest or neighbour; follow-up on a previous visit to confirm that an issue has been resolved; other accreditation obtained by the host or operator; feedback from Police Scotland and/or the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service; peculiarities of the operation (unconventional accommodation); pattern of complaints associated with the host, operator or premises; reputational evidence from guest reviews and/or internet profile. Page 64 of 78
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37 Monitoring the compliance of hosts and operators cannot be the responsibility of any one person or the Council. For compliance to be effective it requires collaboration between service users, letting agencies, and platforms. This serves to not only monitor compliance but also assists in identifying and eliminating unlicensed short-term lets. 15.316.3 Enforcement and sanctions Our primary aim is to ensure compliance through means of encouragement and support. However, there are several ways to enforce the requirements as set out in the Order. These are: additional licence conditions on application Enforcement Notices variation, suspension or revocation of the licence pursuance of prosecution in respect of offences under the 1982 Act – see below. Where compliance cannot be achieved through alternative means and there is evidence indicating that a criminal offence has been committed, cases may be referred to Police Scotland to consider criminal proceedings. Level on the scale Maximum fine 1 £200 2 £500 3 £1,000 4 £2,500 5 £5,000 Page 65 of 78
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38 16.17. Complaints Perth and Kinross Council aims to ensure that hosts and operators provide the necessary standards for members of the public with regard to the licensing of short- term lets. All complaints and concerns received will be taken seriously as they provide an opportunity to improve and maintain the high standards we aim to achieve by means of the licensing regime. The Council will: - ensure that all complaints are investigated fairly and in a timely way; wherever possible, ensure that complaints are resolved and that relationships are repaired; and gather information which improves standards in relation to the licence. Complaints received by the Council in relation to short-term lets will be acknowledged within five working days where possible. Wherever possible, complaints must be submitted through the Council’s online short-term let complaints portal. Complainants will be kept up-to-date in relation to the progress made by Council Officers in relation to their complaint by email. Complaints about hosts and operators can be received from various sources for example:- 16.117.1 Guest Complaints In the first instance guests should raise any concerns with their host or operator, letting agency or platform. If they remain unsatisfied or the issue is sufficiently grave to warrant it, then a complaint should be made to the Council to investigate. 16.217.2 Neighbour Complaints In the first instance neighbours should raise any concerns with the host or operator, letting agency or platform, if known. If you remain unsatisfied, then a complaint should be made to the Council to investigate. Neighbours might complain about the following for example:- the number of people staying at the premises; noise, disturbance or instances of antisocial behaviour; issues around maintenance, guests in common areas and accumulation of refuse (especially in flats or tenements); or suspected unlicensed short-term lets. 16.317.3 Unlicensed Operators Page 66 of 78
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39 Complaints regarding suspected unlicensed operators should be directed to Police Scotland. 16.417.4 Assessing Complaints Some complaints will require enforcement action by the Council (see Section 16 Compliance and Enforcement) and others will not, for example: - where the Council determines that the complaint is frivolous or vexatious; where action has already been taken or is in progress; or where the complaint relates to a matter which is outside the scope of the licensing scheme (for example regarding the quality of the stay). The Council aims to resolve most complaints by means of engagement and discussion with the host and/or operator. Where necessary, adding of additional conditions to a licence may be deemed appropriate. Enforcement action will only be taken as a last resort. Page 67 of 78
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40 Annex A – Mandatory Conditions Mandatory conditions will be applied to all types of Licences (as specified in schedule 3 of the Order) and Temporary Exemptions. The following are Mandatory Conditions and will apply to all licences issued:- 1. Agents Only those named as a holder of the licence can carry out the day to day management of the short- term let of the premises. 2. Type of licence The holder of the licence may only offer the type of short-term let for which the licence has been granted. 3. Fire safety The holder of the licence must ensure the premises has satisfactory equipment installed for detecting, and for giving warning of - (a) fire or suspected fire, and (b) the presence of carbon monoxide in a concentration that is hazardous to health. The holder of the licence must keep records showing that all upholstered furnishings and mattresses within the parts of the premises which are for guest use, or to which the guests are otherwise permitted to have access, comply with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations 1988(1). 4. Gas safety Where the premises has a gas supply - (a) the holder of the licence must arrange for an annual gas safety inspection of all gas pipes, flues and appliances in the premises, (b) if, after an annual inspection, any appliance does not meet the required safety standard, the holder of the licence must not allow a short-term let of the premises until the works necessary to bring the appliance to the required safety standard have been carried out. 5. Electrical safety Where there are electrical fittings or items within the parts of the premises which are for guest use, or to which the guests are permitted to have access, the holder of the licence must - (a) ensure that any electrical fittings and items are in - Page 68 of 78
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41 (i) a reasonable state of repair, and (ii) proper and safe working order, (b) arrange for an electrical safety inspection to be carried out by a competent person at least every five years or more frequently if directed by the competent person, (c) ensure that, following an electrical safety inspection, the competent person produces an Electrical Installation Condition Report on any fixed installations, (d) arrange for a competent person to— (i) produce a Portable Appliance Testing Report on moveable appliances to which a guest has access, and (ii) date label and sign all moveable appliances which have been inspected. In determining who is competent, the holder of the licence must have regard to guidance issued by the Scottish Ministers under section 19B(4) of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006. 6. Water safety: private water supplies Where the premises are served by a private water supply, the Licence Holder must comply with the requirements on the owners of private dwellings set out in the Water Intended for Human Consumption (Private Supplies) (Scotland) Regulations 2017. 7. Water safety: legionella The holder of the licence must assess the risk from exposure to legionella within the premises, whether or not the premises are served by a private water supply. 8. Safety & repair standards 10— (1) The holder of the licence must take all reasonable steps to ensure the premises are safe for residential use. (2) Where the premises are subject to the requirements of Chapter 4 of Part 1 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006, the holder of the licence must ensure that the premises meet the repairing standard. 9. Maximum Occupancy The Licence Holder must ensure that the number of guests residing on the premises does not exceed the number specified in the licence. 10.1. Information to be displayed Page 69 of 78
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42 The holder of the licence must make the following information available within the premises in a place where it is accessible to all guests - (a) a certified copy of the licence and the licence conditions, (b) fire, gas and electrical safety information, (c) details of how to summon the assistance of emergency services, (d) a copy of the gas safety report, (e) a copy of the Electrical Installation Condition Report, (f) a copy of the Portable Appliance Testing Report, (g) instructions as to what guests should do in the event that a carbon monoxide alarm sounds, and (h) if there is a mobile gas cabinet heater in the premises, safety instructions as to the operation and movement of that mobile heater. 11.2. Planning Permission Where the premises is in a short-term let control area for the purposes of section 26B of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997(4) (“the 1997 Act”), the holder of the licence must, where the use of the premises for a short-term let requires planning permission under the 1997 Act, ensure that either— an application has been made for planning permission under the (a) 1997 Act and has not yet been determined, or (b) planning permission under the 1997 Act is in force. 12. Listings The holder of the licence must ensure that any listing or advert (whether electronic or otherwise) for the short-term let of the premises includes - (a) the licence number, and (b) a valid Energy Performance Certificate rating if an Energy Performance Certificate is required for the premises, in accordance with the Energy Performance of Buildings (Scotland) Regulations 2008(5). The holder of the licence must ensure that any listing or advert (whether electronic or otherwise) for the short-term let of the premises is consistent with the terms of the short-term let licence. 13. Insurance Page 70 of 78
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43 The holder of the licence must ensure that there is in place for the premises - (a) valid buildings insurance for the duration of the licence, and (b) valid public liability insurance for the duration of each short-term let agreement. 14. Payment of fees The holder of the licence must pay any fees due to the licensing authority in respect of the licence on demand. 15. False or misleading information The holder of the licence must not provide any false or misleading information to the licensing authority. 16. Interpretation In this schedule - “Electrical Installation Condition Report” means a report containing the following information – (a) the date on which the inspection was carried out, (b) the address of the premises inspected, (c) the name, address and relevant qualifications of the person who (d) carried out the inspection, (e) a description, and the location, of each installation, fixture, fitting and appliance inspected, (f) any defect identified, (g) any action taken to remedy a defect, “Energy Performance Certificate” means a certificate which complies with regulation 6 of the Energy Performance of Buildings (Scotland) Regulations 2008), “gas safety report” means a report containing the following information - (a) the date on which the appliance or flue was checked, (b) the address of the premises at which the appliance or flue is installed, (c) a description of and the location of each appliance or flue checked, (d) any safety defect identified, Page 71 of 78
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44 (e) any remedial action taken, (f) confirmation that the check undertaken complies with the requirements of an examination of - (i) the effectiveness of any flue, (ii) the supply of combustion air, (iii) subject to head (iv), its operating pressure or heat (iv) input or, where necessary, (v) if it is not reasonably practicable to examine its (vi) combustion performance, (vii) its operation so as to ensure its safe functioning, (g) the name and signature of the individual carrying out the check, and (h) the registration number with which that individual, or that individual’s employer, is registered with a body approved by the Health and Safety Executive for the purposes of regulation 3(3) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998(7), “holder of the licence” means any person to whom a short-term let licence has been granted or jointly granted, “home letting” means a short-term let consisting of the entering into of an agreement for the use, while the host is absent, of accommodation which is, or is part of, the host’s only or principal home, “home sharing” means a short-term let consisting of the entering into of an agreement for the use, while the host is present, of accommodation which is, or is part of, the host’s only or principal home, “premises” means the accommodation which is the subject of an application for a short-term licence or the subject of a short-term licence, “repairing standard” means the steps which the holder of the licence is required to take to comply with the obligations placed on the holder by Chapter 4 of Part 1 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006(8), “secondary letting” means a short-term let consisting of the entering into of an agreement for the use of accommodation which is not, or is not part of, the Licence Holder’s only or principal home, “short-term let” has the same meaning as in article 3 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Short-term Lets) Order 2022, Page 72 of 78
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45 “short-term let licence” means a licence for a short-term let, and “type of short-term let” means one of the following purposes - (a) secondary letting, (b) home letting, (c) home sharing, or (d) home letting and home sharing. Page 73 of 78
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46 Annex B - Proposed Additional Conditions 1. The Licence Holder must take reasonable steps to manage the premises in such a way as to seek and prevent and deal effectively with any anti-social behaviour by guests to anyone else in the short-term let and in the locality of the short-term let. 2. The Licence Holder must take reasonable steps to: ensure that no disturbance or nuisance arises within or from the premises, for example by explaining the house rules to the guests; deal effectively with any disturbance or nuisance arising within or from the premises, as soon as practicable after the Licence Holder is made aware of it; and ensure any vehicles belonging to guests are parked lawfully, for example explaining where any designated parking spaces are to be found and highlighting any local rules. 3. The Licence Holder must manage the premises in such a way as to respect and protect the privacy and security of neighbours. 4. The Licence Holder must ensure: guests know and understand any particular rules applying to shared areas and entrances; guests understand that shared doors should be properly and securely closed after use; and the provision of access codes or keys to guests cannot be used by guests to gain access to shared areas after they have finally departed. 5. The Licence Holder must ensure that the bedrooms, living room and hallway in the premises are carpeted. 6. The Licence Holder must take reasonable steps to ensure that guests do not first arrive or finally depart from the property between the hours of 11pm to 7am. The Licence Holder must advise guests of this as part of their booking terms and conditions. (“Reasonable steps” allows for exceptions, such as significantly delayed transport). 7. The Licence Holder must provide adequate information on, and facilities for, the storage, recycling and disposal of waste. 8. The Licence Holder must provide written documentation to guests, advising them of: their responsibilities; the use of the bins/sacks provided for the premises; and the location of the nearest recycling centre or recycling point. Page 74 of 78
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47 9. The Licence Holder must: clearly label bins as belonging to the premises; ensure that guests manage their waste in compliance with (8) including when they depart; and maintain the bin storage area and the exterior of the premises in a clean and tidy condition. 10. The Licence holder must not affix a key box, or other device to facilitate guest entry to the property, to any public or jointly owned private infrastructure without prior written permission of the relevant authority or owner(s). The Licence Holder must be able to produce the permission to the licensing authority on request. Page 75 of 78
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PERTH AND KINROSS COUNCIL – LICENSING COMMITTEE 10 MARCH 2025 REPORT BY STRATEGIC LEAD - LEGAL AND GOVERNANCE TYPE OF APPLICATION Grant of a Taxi Operator Licence APPLICANT Mr Paul Scott, PREMISES (if applicable) N/A THE APPLICATION Mr Scott has applied for a new taxi operator licence in Blairgowrie. At a previous Licensing Committee meeting on 24 February 2022, it was decided that any new taxi licences granted for Blairgowrie, specifically, have an additional condition added that the vehicle is Wheelchair Accessible for the duration of the licence. The vehicle requested to be licensed is not wheelchair accessible. However, the applicant wishes to licence a fully electric vehicle. RELEVANT LICENSING POLICIES N/A LEGAL POSITION As there is a policy that any new taxi licences granted for Blairgowrie have an additional condition added that the vehicle is Wheelchair Accessible for the duration of the licence, that policy should be applied subject to any special circumstances justifying the grant of the application as an exception. OPTIONS The Committee needs to consider whether there are any special circumstances that justify the grant of the application as an exception. The options open to the Committee are therefore to: grant the application without the additional condition, grant the application with the additional condition. PROCEDURE Identify parties. Consider any preliminary issues Applicant makes submission Committee asks any questions of the applicant Applicant sums up Committee makes decision 6 Page 77 of 78
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