Business

‘Don’t follow suit’: Welsh tourism bill faces ‘horror story’ warning from Scotland

Published

4 months ago

November 11, 2025

TOURISM leaders have urged Wales not to follow Scotland’s lead by replicating a “failed” licensing scheme that has “harmed” the industry and created a “thriving black market”.

Last week, the Welsh Government unveiled a tourism bill in the Senedd which, if passed, will create a mandatory licensing scheme for short-term Airbnb-style rentals.

But industry representatives gave a damning account of a similar policy in Scotland, describing the experience since its introduction in 2022 as a “real horror story”.

Marc Crothall, chief executive of the Scottish Tourism Alliance, warned the policy has created “far greater harm than good” as he gave evidence in the Senedd.

He told the economy committee: “When policy is developed without a clear objective and without reliable data, it fails, and Scotland… is that case study.”

Fiona Campbell, chief executive of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers, pointed to two successful judicial reviews brought against Edinburgh Council. She warned the entire Scottish scheme is “in breach” of the Human Rights Act.

She said: “I would just urge the Welsh Government and policy makers to really take heed of these warnings… don’t do it as Scotland has done it – or you may well end up in court.”

Ms Campbell argued that rather than solving housing problems, the policy was “harming the wrong people and regulating the wrong thing”.

Calling for extreme caution, she criticised the Welsh Government’s projected £75 annual fee for the new licence, labelling it “entirely uncredible” based on Scotland’s experience.

Ms Campbell – who has run a self-catering property for 23 years – told Senedd Members while low fees were promised in Scotland, the reality is they range from £205 to £5,698.

She also dismissed assurances that artificial intelligence and automation would keep administrative costs down as “entirely unrealistic”. “Unless Wales has come up with amazing AI that I’m not aware of, I just don’t think it’s credible,” she said.

She argued the Scottish policy was flawed from the outset because it wrongly tried to solve a housing crisis by regulating tourism, similar to the rationale in Wales.

Ms Campbell warned of the impact on small operators, with 70% of the Scottish self-catering sector made up of women aged over 55 – a figure she wagered was similar in Wales.

“These are the people you’re harming,” she said.

She told the committee the “horror story” in Scotland has seen operators “leaving in droves”.

Mr Crothall added this has led to empty homes, pointing to 230 properties on the Isle of Skye that “remain purely second homes” after their owners opted not to apply for a licence.

Both witnesses stressed they were not against regulation but they argued a separate licensing scheme was disproportionate.

Ms Campbell said the industry supports a national register that includes mandatory health and safety checks but she questioned the need for a second, more costly licensing layer.

“My question is: why do you need licensing on top?” she asked the committee. “If I were a policy maker in Wales, I would wait until I had all the data… it feels premature.”

Giving evidence during an earlier session on November 5, finance secretary Mark Drakeford defended the tourism bill as “good for the industry”. The former First Minister argued the bill would create a level-playing field and reassure visitors.

Prof Drakeford said Wales had learned from Scotland’s “locally based scheme” – which he said had caused confusion – by opting for a simpler, national model.

Business

Jobs fall in Pembrokeshire as payroll numbers drop over past year

Published

2 hours ago

March 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Employment down by 124 year-on-year with further monthly decline recorded in February

EMPLOYMENT in Pembrokeshire has fallen over the past year, with new figures showing a drop of 124 jobs compared with the same period in 2025.

Data for February 2026 reveals that 47,801 people were on payroll across the county, representing a 0.3% decrease year-on-year.

The latest monthly figures also show continued pressure on local businesses, with payroll numbers falling by 82 compared to January — a 0.2% drop.

The data, based on analysis of Office for National Statistics payroll figures by employment app WageSight, paints a mixed picture for the county’s labour market.

Compared with other Welsh local authorities, Pembrokeshire ranks 12th out of 22 for employment change, placing it in the lower half of performers.

The Herald understands that while some parts of Wales have seen modest job growth, others — including Pembrokeshire — continue to experience a squeeze on employment levels.

Paul Hebden, Director at WageSight said: “The latest figures underline the continued pressure on employment in Pembrokeshire. Payroll remains down compared with last year, and recent month-on-month data suggests employers are still cutting back.”

Nationally, employment trends remain uncertain, with fluctuations across different regions and sectors creating an unpredictable backdrop for businesses.

It remains unclear whether the recent decline marks the beginning of a longer-term trend or simply a short-term dip, but the figures suggest that employers in Pembrokeshire are continuing to act cautiously in the current economic climate.

Business

Haverfordwest cinema one of six council properties for sale

Published

11 hours ago

March 19, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

SIX COUNCIL-owned properties in Pembrokeshire, including Haverfordwest’s Palace Cinema, a boatyard, and a former social services premises in Tenby, are to be put up for sale following a decision by senior councillors.

At the March 16 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet, members were asked to back the disposal of six properties in the county’s portfolio as well the earmarking of four properties for other purposes.

A report for members said: “The Property Department has recently undertaken a review of the council’s estate to identify underused or vacant properties that are no longer required for service delivery and could be transferred internally or disposed of to generate capital receipts.”

The report listed six assets which members were asked to declare surplus for disposal by freehold sale.

Those assets were: Iveston Farm, Maidenwells; land east of Cleddau Reach School, Llangwm; Palace Cinema, Haverfordwest; St Asaph, Trafalgar Road, Tenby – social services premises; land at East Llanion Marine, Pembroke Dock – boat yard area; and land at Maidenwells – development plot.

For those six properties, it said of Iveston Farm: “Farm homestead in need of extensive renovation. An approach to local agents will begin to market the homestead and surrounding land. The remainder of the land areas are to be re-let as part of the County Farm Estate.”

For the land east of Cleddau Reach School, it said: “Areas of land parcels that no longer form part of the school demise and offer no opportunity to the authority and is therefore to be declared surplus for disposal.”

For Palace Cinema, it said: “Freehold of property to be sold. The property is listed and requires significant investment.”

For St Asaph, Trafalgar Road, Tenby, it said: “The property is not required or suitable for other internal services and is therefore to be declared surplus for disposal.”

For East Llanion Marine, it said: “Freehold of the property to be sold. This is an area of land (0.29 acres) adjacent to Port owned land. Both parcels are leased to East Llanion Marine. The property is not required or suitable for other internal services and is therefore to be declared surplus for disposal.”

For the land at Maidenwells, it said: “The property is not required or suitable for other internal services and is therefore to be declared surplus for disposal.”

It also listed three assets in which cabinet was asked to declared surplus to the requirements of one council department and appropriated to another use within the council.

Those were: Portfield Social Activity Centre, Haverfordwest – for future education project; Eastgate Centre, Pembroke – for future re-development project; and land west of Cleddau Reach School, Llangwm – for future education project.

Members were also asked to remove one property declared surplus to council requirements, appropriated for a particular use within the council: Pembroke Dock Watersports Centre – Watersports centre in occupation.

Members backed the 10 recommendations.

Business

Kurtz’s best local pub competition nears 1,000 nominations

Published

1 day ago

March 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Community-backed contest highlights vital role of Pembrokeshire pubs

THE BEST Local Pub Competition is closing in on a major milestone, with nearly 1,000 nominations submitted by residents across Pembrokeshire celebrating their favourite local venues.

The competition, launched last year by Member of the Senedd Samuel Kurtz, aims to recognise the importance of local pubs and support them during the quieter winter months.

Now in its second year, the initiative continues to shine a spotlight on the vital role pubs play in bringing communities together.

The competition is sponsored by Templeton Beer, Wine & Spirit Co., a well-known local supplier supporting hospitality businesses across the region.

Last year, The Ivybush in Narberth was crowned the inaugural winner after receiving strong backing from the local community. The award recognised the pub’s welcoming atmosphere and its role as a hub for both residents and visitors.

Samuel Kurtz MS said: “Local pubs are at the heart of our communities, providing places for people to meet, celebrate and support one another. I launched this competition to give something back to these fantastic businesses, particularly during the quieter months when trade can be more challenging.

“Changes to Business Rates have had a real impact on the sector, alongside rising costs such as staffing and electricity, which are threatening the survival of many pubs. That is why this competition is such an important reminder of how much we value them.

“It’s brilliant to see nearly 1,000 nominations, with a few days still to go before the competition closes on Friday (Mar 20).”

Residents are invited to nominate pubs that stand out for their community spirit, service, and contribution to local life. The winning venue will receive a free barrel of standard beer and be crowned Best Local Pub 2026.

Samuel added: “If you haven’t nominated your local yet, there is still time.”

To take part, visit www.samuelkurtz.wales and search ‘campaigns’ to nominate your Best Local Pub.