Wales's 182-day rule is too high: what Welsh hosts need now

In the latest Host Planet Podcast, Nicky Williamson of PASC UK explains why Wales’s 182-day rule is damaging self-catering businesses – and what must change.

The threshold, introduced in April 2023, lifted requirements from 70 let days (140 available) to 182 let days (252 available) – a massive jump that many operators simply can’t meet.

Catch the full episode on our website, YouTube, Spotify, or Apple.

The reality on the ground

Roughly half of operators aren’t reaching 182 days, pushing them off business rates and onto council tax with punitive premiums of up to 300% – turning some profitable cottages into loss-makers overnight. A typical two-bed can face a council tax bill of around £6,000 against annual profit in the region of £3-5,000 – leaving owners in the red and under real stress.

Policy without data

Nicky argues the policy was made with poor data (even government estimates on the number of lets are wildly broad) and calls for statutory registration done well – simple uploads of existing safety documents – to create a level playing field and provide accurate sector data.

A lower, evidence-based threshold

There’s “only one solution” according to Nicky: lower 182. A sensible benchmark would be closer to historic criteria (e.g., 105 days), or whatever a proper impact assessment supports. Current consultation tweaks (averaging over years; counting charity nights) won’t fix the cliff-edge or the mental health toll operators report.

Wider tourism impact of Wales's 182-day rule

Hotels are not a catch-all fallback: many Welsh destinations rely on self-catering bed stock. With overnight visitor numbers down about 29% from 2022 to 2024, squeezing holiday lets risks accelerating the downturn across attractions, hospitality, and local trades.

What hosts should do

• Respond to the consultation: make the case to lower the threshold and introduce fair discretion/grace where needed. Click here to respond to the consultation.

• Share real numbers: occupancy, rates, and the cost of premiums – evidence moves policy.

• Support statutory registration that’s light-touch and data-rich to inform future rules.

Bottom line: Wales needs thriving, responsible self-catering to sustain its visitor economy. The 182-day rule is too high – let’s fix the threshold with data, protect local communities, and keep quality accommodation available.