Janet Finch-Saunders MS has welcomed the Welsh Government’s decision to review the holiday let tax rules but said the consultation should have happened much sooner, after years of concern from tourism businesses across North Wales.
The Welsh Government has announced it will consult on reducing the current 182-day occupancy threshold and introducing further exemptions following widespread criticism from the tourism sector. Many legitimate holiday let operators have argued that the current rules are unrealistic and have placed unnecessary pressure on businesses take make an important contribution to local economies.
Janet Finch-Saunders, Senedd Member for Bangor Conwy Môn said:
“It is encouraging that the Welsh Government has recognised the concerns raised by tourism businesses, but the review should have happened much earlier.
For years, many genuine holiday accommodation providers have warned that the 182-day rule is too restrictive and does not reflect the realities of the tourism industry. Instead of listening, the previous Welsh Labour government pressed ahead with a policy that has created uncertainty for many businesses.
Our tourism sector is a vital part of North Wales’ economy, supporting jobs, local businesses and communities. Rather than another lengthy consultation, operators now need certainty and practical action that supports legitimate tourism businesses while continuing to protect the availability of housing for local people.”
Mae Janet Finch-Saunders AS wedi croesawu penderfyniad Llywodraeth Cymru i adolygu'r rheolau treth ar gyfer llety gwyliau ond dywedodd y dylai'r ymgynghoriad fod wedi digwydd yn llawer cynt, ar ôl blynyddoedd o boen meddwl i fusnesau twristiaeth ledled y Gogledd.
Mae Llywodraeth Cymru wedi cyhoeddi y bydd yn ymgynghori ar leihau'r trothwy defnydd 182 diwrnod presennol gan gyflwyno eithriadau pellach, a hynny’n dilyn beirniadaeth eang gan y sector twristiaeth. Mae llawer o weithredwyr gwyliau dilys wedi dadlau bod y rheolau presennol yn afrealistig ac wedi rhoi pwysau diangen ar fusnesau sy'n gwneud cyfraniad pwysig at economïau lleol.
Meddai Janet Finch-Saunders, yr Aelod o'r Senedd dros Fangor Conwy Môn:
"Mae'n galonogol bod Llywodraeth Cymru wedi cydnabod y pryderon a godwyd gan fusnesau twristiaeth, ond dylai'r adolygiad fod wedi digwydd yn llawer cynharach.
Ers blynyddoedd, mae llawer o ddarparwyr llety gwyliau dilys wedi rhybuddio bod y rheol 182 diwrnod yn rhy gyfyngol ac nad yw'n adlewyrchu realiti'r diwydiant twristiaeth. Yn hytrach na gwrando, mynnodd llywodraeth Lafur flaenorol Cymru fwrw rhagddi â pholisi sydd wedi creu ansicrwydd i lawer o fusnesau.
Mae ein sector twristiaeth yn rhan hanfodol o economi’r Gogledd, gan gefnogi swyddi, busnesau lleol a chymunedau. Yn hytrach nag ymgynghoriad hir arall, mae angen sicrwydd a chamau gweithredu ymarferol ar weithredwyr nawr sy'n cefnogi busnesau twristiaeth dilys, tra'n parhau i ddiogelu argaeledd tai i bobl leol."
