I share your concerns that this policy risks imposing significant costs on small property owners, despite the Chancellor’s promise to reduce burdens on businesses. The rules under consultation would require all holiday lets to achieve an EPC rating of C in order to continue operating. For many older properties, particularly those common in the self-catering sector, reaching this standard will be extremely costly. Official estimates suggest upgrades of this kind could cost landlords across the country £21.8 billion in total. If those costs are passed on to guests, the price of a UK holiday would rise sharply, undermining businesses that form a vital part of our tourism and hospitality sector.
Property experts have also warned that these measures could lead to properties being sold off entirely if upgrades prove unworkable, damaging local economies and reducing choice for holidaymakers. The Government had promised to cut bills by £300, yet costs have risen, and now small holiday let businesses face new red tape that could make trading unsustainable. I believe Ministers must rethink this approach before it makes life even harder for the tourism and hospitality industry, which is already under pressure from rising costs and increasing competition.
