Sharing Economy: Short-term Letting

Emphasised the impact of short-term lettings in her constituency, noting that since 2016, 4,000 homes have come out of private rent and joined holiday listings. This trend is not unique to London but affects various regions across the UK, creating strain on housing availability.

Agreed that short-term lettings are a significant issue with commercial implications and mentioned changes in demographics due to conversions of long-term rentals into holiday lets. Highlighted the impact on schools and local communities, noting a headteacher's observation about changes in school intake.

Supported Aiken's stance by pointing out that short-term lettings take housing stock out of the market, particularly affecting young people who cannot afford to buy properties. Also highlighted issues like antisocial behaviour and property misuse.

Condemned the deregulation that led to an increase in short lets and emphasised its negative impact on communities. Cited research showing a significant shift towards commercial short let operations, noting a 423% rise in multi-property rentals by single owners. Raised concerns about loss of residential property, antisocial behaviour, waste management issues, and security implications. Stressed the inadequacy of current local authority enforcement mechanisms and called for urgent government action to licence short let providers.

Congratulates hon. Members for their speeches and highlights the growing impact of Airbnb properties in York, noting that about 2,000 Airbnbs already exist in the city, predominantly in her constituency. Describes how existing properties are increasingly being turned into holiday lets, impacting family life due to noise and antisocial behaviour. Raises concerns over new developments becoming party venues rather than homes for local people. Criticises the impact on housing affordability, with Airbnb owners outbidding prospective homebuyers. Discusses the deregulation of the visitor economy, loss of traditional B&Bs, and negative impacts on the local community and economy. Calls for a full licensing scheme to regulate short-term lets.

Thanked the Member for Cities of London and Westminster for initiating the debate on short-term letting. Highlighted the growth in the market driven by platforms like Airbnb, acknowledged both benefits such as economic contributions and drawbacks including housing supply issues. Emphasised the need to gather updated data through a call for evidence to understand current market operations better.

Asked if DCMS would look into a registration scheme rather than a licensing scheme and inquired about the possibility of a roundtable discussion on the impact of these schemes.

Thanked hon. Members for their contributions and emphasised the issue of short-term letting affecting social housing in Westminster. Highlighted examples from other constituencies and stressed the need for registration or licensing schemes to protect local communities and key workers.