Housing, and in particular its availability and affordability, has been an issue in Cornwall for many years. However, it has grown significantly worse over the last few years due to the massive increase in demand for holiday lets and Airbnbs which I know people are concerned about popping up in communities across Cornwall.
Cornwall has seen a massive
rise in
the number of properties converted into Airbnbs. In January 2016 there were 17
Airbnb properties in Cornwall. According to data from holiday rental
research firm AirDNA, there were 20,688 active Airbnb and Vbro rentals in
Cornwall as of August 2022.
Housing continues to remain one of the
biggest problems that people raise with me and is something I, and
other MPs, have been working with the government to address.
That is why I am pleased
to see that the government has now announced new measures to manage
the number of holiday lets in Cornwall. This
follows the Government consulting on a potential scheme earlier this year.
As you will know, I
have been working with Ministers for many months to ensure these important
measures would be included in the Levelling Up Bill as it completes its passage
through the House of Commons.
I am glad to see the
Secretary of State confirm that the Levelling Up Bill will include the ability
for Cornwall Council to set up a registration scheme for holiday lets in the
county. As an MP who represents an area with disproportionate numbers of these
properties in their constituencies, I have been calling for this action for a
while.
A register of holiday
lets will not only allow Cornwall Council and the Government to better
understand their impact on the communities they are in, but also better
regulate this sector in the future.
But it does not end
there. The Secretary of State has also confirmed he will be consulting on plans
which would mean holiday let owners need to submit a
‘change of use’ planning application with local planning authorities having a
say on whether or not they agree with the changes.
I am delighted to see these measures
being proposed as they are significant steps towards enabling Cornwall Council
to manage the impact of holiday lets on our local housing market.
However, I do believe that we need to
remember that the housing crisis in Cornwall will not be resolved overnight.
The county still faces some significant challenges, such as the high demand for
houses and low supply and lack of affordable homes which was only exacerbated
by the Covid pandemic.
I understand that the rise in house
prices and demand for holiday accommodation has seen many local families
struggle to find homes to rent, or they have been priced out of the market, but
I do believe that the measures announced by the government go some way to
bringing balance back to the housing market.
The details of how
the scheme would be administered will be consulted on before 2023’s summer
recess, with a view to the scheme being up and running as soon as possible
thereafter.
I know these measures
will be something Cornwall Council will be keen to progress and look forward to
working with them and my colleagues in Westminster to ensure they
are in place as soon as possible.
As ever, if I can be of
assistance on this matter, or any other, my office is available for any
constituents needing help, advice or guidance – call: 01726 829379 or email: office@stevedouble.org.uk
