VisitEngland has begun its review of the way it lists serviced accommodation businesses in the UK.

The current rating system - the Common Standards - was introduced in 2005 in response to consumer and industry concerns about variations in accommodation standards. The scheme brought together accommodation schemes from AA, VisitScotland, VisitWales and VisitBritain.

The industry survey will be followed by consumer research, to be undertaken in the autumn, which will identify the most important considerations for consumers when booking their accommodation, and how these have changed since the standards were introduced.

James Berresford, chief executive of VisitEngland said: "We are committed to the Common Standards, but as with all of our schemes and initiatives, we need to ensure we remain relevant and consumer-focused.

"One of the key areas of the review will be the role of user generated content alongside other independent reviews and how VisitEngland can work closer with different types of media to provide a complete picture for consumers."