Standing Up for Rural Wales: Dioni’s Let’s Review 182 Campaign

Since April 2023, Welsh Government’s 182-night minimum occupancy rule has been devastating small businesses across rural Wales. But something remarkable is happening – communities are fighting back.

The current legislation requires holiday cottages to prove 182 nights of letting per year or face reclassification as a second home and council tax premiums of up to 300%  What was presented as a policy targeting second homes is instead crushing the seasonal, family-run businesses that form the backbone of our rural economy.

The Community Response

Since launching Let’s Review 182 in October 2025, the Dioni team has been overwhelmed by your response. Scores of businesses have come forward to share their stories – and crucially, they’re not just holiday cottage owners.

Cleaners, builders, cafés, pubs, restaurants, farmers, tradespeople and estate agents have all explained how the 182-day policy is negatively impacting their livelihoods. This isn’t about one sector – it’s about entire communities that depend on seasonal rural tourism to survive – the whole hospitality supply chain.

Media coverage has been strong. Public engagement on social media shows a high level of engagement with the vast majority of comments supporting our campaign’s aims. The message is clear: this policy is harming the very communities it was meant to protect.

What Happens Next – Please Join Us!

The Welsh Government consultation closed on 20 November 2025. We’re now awaiting their findings – normally results would be published within 12 weeks. We’ll share updates the moment we have them.

But here’s the critical point: we cannot let momentum slip now. The next few months will determine whether the Welsh Government listens to rural communities or doubles down on what so many of us believe is a failing policy.

Dioni will continue to invest in our Let’s Review 182 campaign, keeping pressure on decision-makers and advocating for a fairer, more flexible approach that recognises the realities of running seasonal businesses in rural Wales.

Take Action Today

This is where you come in. Your voice matters – especially to your local MS. 

With Senedd elections in May 2026, politicians will be particularly focused on listening to constituents over the coming months. This is our window of opportunity to make change happen.

Here’s what you can do right now:

1. Write to your MS – We’ve created a bilingual template letter on our campaign page to make this quick and straightforward
2. Sign up to our campaign newsletter – Stay informed about developments and be ready for the next phase of action
3. Share your story – If this policy affects your business or community, let us know

Together, we can push for meaningful change that supports the families and businesses keeping rural Wales alive.

Join the campaign: https://www.dioni.co.uk/182-campaign-2/
Contact us: louise@dioni.co.uk