Julie James MS, Minister for Climate Change has announced this week changes to the business rate threshold which could come into effect on April 2023. We are urgently seeking your feedback / evidence on the potential impact to self-catering businesses following this announcement which will see the threshold for businesses to be classed as self-catering businesses rise from the current 140 available to let / 70 day actual let in any one year, to 282 days available to let / 182 days actual let (i.e 50% occupancy achieved). If you fail to meet this threshold your Local Authority could move your business from business rated to council tax rated and will also […]
Together for a Safer Future will mark the start of Wales’ transition beyond the emergency response to the pandemic – emergency measures have been in place for 2 years. It sets out how Wales can live safely with coronavirus – just as we live with many other infectious diseases – and what that will mean for public health services and protections put in place to respond to the pandemic, including testing services. Wales will remain at alert level 0 for the next 3 weeks with the current level of protections in place. But all legal measures could be removed from 28 March if the public health situation remains stable. Together […]
The Welsh Government has announced an increase to the maximum level of council tax premiums for second homes, as well as new local tax rules for holiday lets. The measures are part of a wider commitment to address the issue of second homes and unaffordable housing facing many communities in Wales, as set out in the Co-operation Agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru. The maximum level at which local authorities can set council tax premiums on second homes and long-term empty properties will be increased to 300%, which will be effective from April 2023. This will enable councils to decide the level which is appropriate for their individual […]
Qualifications Wales is conducting a sector review of qualifications and the qualifications system in the travel, tourism, hospitality and catering sector. Views are sought from employers, learners, learning providers and sector bodies. To take part, contact: travelandtourism@qualficationswales.org. https://www.qualificationswales.org/english/qualifications/vocational-qualifications/travel-tourism-hospitality-and-catering-sector-review/
From 28 February, adults and children aged 11 and over will no longer be required to wear face coverings in many indoor places, with the exception of the public areas of health and social care settings; in all retail settings and public transport. WG will continue to recommend in their guidance that wearing face coverings is one of many behaviours which can help keep others safe, especially the most vulnerable. The legal requirement to wear a face covering, unless exempt, now applies to the following indoor public areas: Retail premises (including financial services providers, post offices and shopping centres);Premises of veterinary surgeons and animal grooming services;Storage and distribution facilities, including […]
We appreciate that it remains to be an extremely difficult, worrying and complex time for many businesses and individuals across North Wales with the COVID-19 pandemic but please remember that we are here to support you. If you have any questions/queries please do not hesitate to contact us, by email (contacts below), social media channels, online chat on the Trade website or phone. Please email jim.jones@gonorthwales.org.uk; eirlys.jones@gonorthwales.org.uk or deborah.nettleton@gonorthwales.org.uk with any issues etc you may have.Please also make sure that you are kept up to date with all the information as they happen by visiting our Trade site www.northwalestourism.com and following us on our NWTBiz social media platforms (facebook and […]
North Wales Tourism is pleased to announce that Glenn Evans, Director of the Royal Oak and Waterloo Hotels in Betws y Coed has recently been appointed the Vice Chair of North Wales Tourism.North Wales Tourism, celebrated their 30th anniversary in 2021, the organisation represents approx 1500 tourism & Hospitality businesses in North Wales.Chris Frost the Chairman said:“It is a great pleasure to welcome Glenn to the position of Vice-Chair of North Wales Tourism; he has been a valued member of the board for a number of years and his breadth of experience in the industry, especially as one of the largest employers in tourism here in North Wales, will be […]
A new transport commission that will develop a pipeline of transport schemes for north Wales has been announced The year-long review will develop recommendations for road, rail, bus and active travel across the whole of North Wales. This step follows on from the advice of the Roads Review Panel to cancel current plans for the A55 Junction 14/15 and 16/16A improvements scheme, which Ministers have agreed. It has also now been agreed which further schemes the Panel will consider as part of their final report due this summer. https://gov.wales/lord-burns-lead-north-wales-transport-review https://gov.wales/written-statement-roads-review-initial-report-and-north-wales-transport-commission-a55-j14-16
The Welsh Government has confirmed a consultation on proposals for a local visitor levy will launch in autumn 2022. The Welsh Government’s Programme for Government, and the Cooperation Agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru, both contain commitments to introduce levies. Formal consultation on draft legislative proposals for a visitor levy will launch in the autumn, providing a platform for a range of views to be considered. https://gov.wales/next-step-development-tourism-tax https://gov.wales/written-statement-development-local-tourism-levy
Wales will gradually begin to relax some of its remaining coronavirus protections as cases continue to fall. From Friday 18 February, the domestic COVID Pass will no longer be required for entry into indoor or outdoor events and venues, including nightclubs, cinemas, theatres and concert halls. But events and venues will be able to continue to use it if they choose to. The international COVID Pass will continue to be integral to arrangements for safer international travel. Travellers will need to check the relevant countries’ rules for entry, including any different requirements for children. From Monday 28 February, the requirement to wear face coverings will be removed from most indoor […]