Whilst the WTA supports the proposal to provide a de-minimus exemption for properties of three or fewer bedrooms, the proposal to make the scope of the tariff apply to a maximum of 15 bedrooms rather than 25 is unwelcome and potentially damaging to this sector of the industry.
Small hotels and guesthouses have been under pressure from general cost increases and the competition of the large budget hotel chains. While of itself the proposed change in tariff structure might seem affordable to those caught by it, taken together with these other factors it will makes the change a further threat to the viability of some businesses in this sector. It should be noted that small hotels and guesthouses are very important to the tourism and social infrastructure of many of the small rural and seaside towns in Wales. In the light of the above the WTA have asked that further consideration be given to both a lesser reduction in the number of bedrooms in the proposed tariff structure and increasing the number of bedrooms in the de-minimus exemption. We await PPL's response!
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The 1st August saw a new pre-planning requirement implemented in Wales for applicants proposing to carry out a "major development". There is now a requirement to consult with local communities for at least 28 days before submitting planning applications. "Major development" includes development on sites of over 1 hectare; the construction of 10 or more houses; and the development of land of 0.5 hectares or more if it is not known how many houses will be constructed. As part of the consultation exercise the applicant will need to make available all of the documents required for the subsequent planning application including plans, design, access statements and any other information describing their development.
The Bank of England Agent's Summary of Business Conditions for August 2016 has been published. The following link is to the pdf file http://www.bankofengland.co.uk/publications/Documents/agentssummary/2016/aug.pdf. Agency for Wales tel for information is 029 2061 4678 or, if you would prefer by email at wales@bankofengland.co.uk Last Call for PPL proposed changes to Small Hotels tariff related to the use of TVs in guests rooms13/8/2016 PPL covers the copyright licensing related to the provision of recorded music in business properties. A license is required regardless of how this music is delivered, ie., by CDs or downloads, via radio or through TVs. PPL are currently consulting regarding proposed changes to Small Hotels tariff related to the use of TVs in guests rooms. This change has been brought about as a consequence of a ECJ ruling back in 2012 that found that a copyright license was required in order for accommodation operators to provide music via television and/or radios bedrooms. While large hotels (those with 15+ bedrooms) have been subject to the copyright license for the provision of music in guests' rooms since 2013, the PPL has provided an exemption for small hotels meaning that you only paid a license to provide music to guests in communal areas. However, the PPL now plans to end this exemption. This means that if you are an operator with fewer than 15 bedrooms who provides TVs or radios in guests bedroom and uses music in communal areas (eg., piped music in reception, a TV in the guest lounge or a radio in the breakfast room) your PPL copyright fee is set to almost double from £59.79 per annum to £115.19 per annum. There is, however, one piece of good news. The PPL is also proposing to provide a total exemption for properties that have up to three bedrooms. This means that the existing requirement to have a copyright license for music delivered in communal areas would be removed and the new requirement for a license to provide There is not much time to register your views, the consultation closes 19th August. The document can be found: http://www.ppluk.com/Documents/Tariff%20PDFs/PPL%20Small%20Residential%20Hotels%20consultationonline.pdf The Year of Adventure 2016 has been the first in a series of thematic years to provide focus for product development and the promotion of Wales. The Welsh Government led themes aim to re-position our country as a leading UK adventure destination. Further themes are to scheduled for 2017 as Year of Legends and 2018 the Year of the Sea. Let us know what positive impact the theme has had on your business. Has the campaign inspired you to target new markets or refocus your efforts on existing or repeat custom? The Great Britain Day Visits Survey is a UK national consumer survey measuring the volume and value of overnight trips taken by the residents of Great Britain. Results of the survey are published annually in the GB Tourist, with quarterly updates at a Wales level.
The latest survey reveals that 86 million tourism day visits were made by British residents to destinations in Wales in the 12 months ending June 2016, generating expenditure of £3.2 billion. The volume of trips is up 12 percent in comparison with the 12 months previous, while related expenditure is up 30 percent. The stats show overall growth in the value of tourism to Wales due to an increase in business related tourism. However, whilst the margin is within the bounds of statistical margins for error, it is noted that holidays and VFR are down, some 90,000 less visitors, against the trend for GB as a whole. Hopefully this trend will reverse? |