Does Glasgow's STL Licensing System Have a Broken Clock?

Something is not working well within the Glasgow Short Term Let Licensing System at present.

After an informal but stark policy U-turn around planning concerns, the city has successfully issued a significant number of Short Term Let Licences. However, for a growing number of more recent applicants, the system appears increasingly broken.

The Problem

STL Solutions is aware of a number of applicants who, despite making and paying for competent STL Licence applications, appear unable to actually obtain the licences they have applied for.

This is not because the authority is refusing these applications but because, having accepted them, it is simply refusing to make any determination at all.

Would-be self-caterers have become trapped in a kind of licensing limbo. Unless and until a licence is granted, an STL applicant cannot operate their property.

The Legal Position

Where a licence application is not determined within statutory deadlines, that application is deemed granted for one year under Section 3(4) of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982.

The timescale for determination of a Short-Term Let licence application is 9 months from the date of application.

The Consequences

The fact that applicants might pay for an application at a fee scale that expects a 3-year licence, whilst receiving only a 1-year deemed licence, is deeply disappointing. Any licensing authority that charges a substantial fee and then fails to discharge its functions as mandated by law should face scrutiny.

Such occurrences undermine public faith in what is still a new licensing scheme. If the public cannot have faith that applications will be dealt with fairly, timeously and in accordance with law, many might see this as justification for avoiding the scheme altogether.

Response from the Council

A noteworthy exception to the council's radio silence has come from Cllr Alex Wilson, Chairperson of the city's Licensing and Regulatory Committee, who has responded promptly and diligently to enquiries but appears unable to intervene directly to resolve "processing matters."

What You Can Do

If your Glasgow STL licence application has been pending for more than 9 months, you may have rights under Section 3(4). STL Solutions can advise on your specific situation and assist in securing your licensed status.