Thank you for contacting me regarding the 182-day let threshold.
I share the frustration of the tourism sector over the implementation of the Welsh Government’s 182-day rule. Rather than tackle the real issue behind the housing crisis in Wales, Welsh Government Ministers have continued to villainise those who own more than one property and fail to recognise the sheer importance of tourism to the Welsh economy.
There are over 22,000 empty homes in Wales compared with 11,300 self-catering holiday lets. My colleagues and I have long called for the Welsh Government to bring empty homes back into use, rather than raise tax for the hardworking people of Wales.
The policy does nothing to support the much-needed visitor economy. The number of tourists visiting Wales has dropped by 33% between 2019 and 2022. The sector needs Welsh Government support, not continuous policies that hinder its growth.
Welsh Conservatives have called for the threshold to be reduced to 105 days and have forced votes in the Senedd calling on the Welsh Government to scrap the 182-day rule. My colleague Tom Giffard, Shadow Minister for Culture, Tourism and Sport, led efforts to attempt to annul the proposal. Â
Please be assured that my colleague continues to stand up for the tourism sector and hold the Welsh Government to account.
Thank you again for contacting me.
