Row erupts over punishing new holiday let restrictions

Councillors at Blackpool are in disagreement over how to respond to controversial rules which threaten to have a damaging impact on the resort's holiday sector.

- by Richard Hunt

The rules, which came into force on April 1, 2023 but are only now resulting in difficulties for businesses, require holiday lets to be available for at least 140 days a year, and then each flat to be let out for a minimum of 70 days to qualify for business rates rather than council tax.

If owners cannot meet these more stringent requirements, some face going out of business and being hit by huge council tax bills, as previous exemptions will be lost.