Home B&Bs face rates demands

Private houses offering bed-and-breakfast accommodation for up to six guests are now liable for business rates if the property is used primarily as a business.

The decision follows a meeting between the Valuation Office Agency and the National Council of Hotels Associations (NCHA).

"It has been a real thorn in our side," said David Grindrod, secretary of the NCHA.

The agency is issuing clearer guidelines to rating officers.