The Senedd Member for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, is encouraging local residents and businesses to take part in the Welsh Government’s consultation on the controversial ‘182-day rule’ for holiday lets.

The rule, introduced last year, requires holiday properties to be let for at least 182 days a year in order to qualify for business rates rather than council tax.

Local owners, letting agents and tourism businesses have warned that the threshold is unrealistic and damaging for smaller operators, particularly in rural areas. Figures suggest that nearly half of self-catering businesses are unable to meet the requirement.

Samuel Kurtz said the consultation was a chance to highlight the problems caused by the policy, stating: “The Welsh Government’s 182-day rule has been nothing short of a complete mess. It risks penalising small, family-run holiday lets who contribute so much to our economy here in West Wales, while doing little to tackle the real issues around housing.

“I would strongly encourage everyone affected to respond to the consultation and make their voices heard. We must stand up for our rural businesses and protect the communities that rely on tourism.”

Welsh Conservatives have consistently argued for a lower threshold. Instead of 182 days, they propose 105 days, which Mr Kurtz says would provide a fairer balance between supporting the local tourism sector and addressing housing concerns.

“A 105-day threshold is a sensible compromise,” he continued. “It ensures holiday lets are genuine businesses, without pushing local operators to breaking point.

“While I welcome this consultation, it is clear that the Welsh Labour Government has only chosen to review this unpopular policy with an election looming next May. Their consistent attacks on the tourism industry through damaging legislation are exactly why their support is waning across Wales.”

Mr Kurtz is urging anyone affected to submit their views before the deadline.