\n<\/p>\n
A government consultation will look at “whether the 182-day threshold is set at the right level and what impact a modest reduction might have”.<\/p>\n
It also proposes five new possible exemptions for accommodation that cannot be used as permanent homes, including properties on owners’ farms.<\/p>\n
Jones said: “I have heard representations from a number of businesses that are making meaningful contributions to their local economies but are unable to meet the current threshold.<\/p>\n
“This consultation will help us find a solution that works better for everyone, including businesses, local authorities and local areas.<\/p>\n
“I am committed to getting the balance right – keeping homes in our communities while giving tourism the support it needs to thrive.”<\/p>\n
PASC welcomed the review, but said the occupancy levels being considered by ministers could still be too high.<\/p>\n
Nicky Williamson, the association’s Welsh policy adviser, urged “every operator to explain how the current rules affect their business and why a realistic threshold is essential if Welsh tourism is to remain competitive”.<\/p>\n
“Our objective has never been to remove the distinction between genuine holiday businesses and second homes,” she said.<\/p>\n
“It is to ensure that viable tourism businesses are not penalised by an occupancy requirement that many simply cannot achieve.”<\/p>\n
Reform UK Wales said the tourism industry needed more detail on what a proposed “modest reduction” in the threshold would mean in practice and whether it would provide meaningful support for the sector.<\/p>\n
Shadow minister Louise Emery said: “Plaid Cymru’s proposals of more exemptions could mean more bureaucracy.<\/p>\n
“Rather than just tinkering around the edges, a more ambitious plan to reduce the threshold needs implementing.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n