Policy and legislation
I would like more information about and/or I am concerned about policies including the Additional Dwelling Supplement (ADS) and Stamp Duty for Buy-to-Let properties.
Information about the Additional Dwelling Supplement and the Land and Building Transaction Tax (the Scottish equivalent of the Stamp Duty Land Tax) is available on the Revenue Scotland and Scottish Government websites.
Revenue Scotland is responsible for managing and collecting devolved taxes, and the Scottish Government is responsible for setting tax policy. If you have any concerns about the policy or legislation in place, you may wish to write to your MSPs or the Scottish Government to highlight these concerns. We will also share this feedback with our contacts at the Scottish Government for their information.
What is the position of the Council in relation to proposed rent controls, and the impact of this on the private rented sector?
The Council will continue to represent the position of Argyll & Bute in any consultations, correspondence and meetings, and this will include consideration of the Council’s position in relation to the housing emergency and the reducing private rented sector.
The Council will adapt to the legislative requirements set out by the Government as required and will provide advice to those affected by any changes to this legislation.
As the policymakers and elected representatives of the Council, you may wish to reach out to your local Councillors to discuss this.
I feel that tenants have more rights than I do as a landlord. What can I do?
If you feel that you are being disproportionately affected by legislation as a landlord, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at privatelandlordsupport@argyll-bute.gov.uk to discuss ways we can help you with this. We can tailor our advice and support to the best resources available to help your situation.
If you are concerned about the legislative environment for landlords, you can also contact your elected representatives. These could include your local Councillors, MSPs and MP.
There are also bodies, such as the Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL), who campaign on behalf of Landlords for legislative change. Membership of the SAL is available for an annual fee.
What are the Council’s plans to improve their own Housing Stock?
Argyll and Bute Council transferred its housing stock to Argyll Community Housing Association (ACHA) in 2006, meaning the Council no longer owns its own social housing stock. However, the Council retains its role as the Strategic Housing Authority and continues to work with Registered Social Landlords (RSLs), like ACHA, to address housing needs in the area.
