One of the things I have been looking forward to since I returned to the backbenches in Parliament is being able to apply for a lead debates on issues important to our constituency. Last week I was pleased to secure and lead a debate in Parliament on housing provision in tourist destinations.
Housing issues in general are one of things raised most
often to me by local people, and these issues are particularly keenly felt in
tourist areas, such as Newquay, Fowey and Mevagissey, predominantly coastal
communities that are particularly attractive places to live in and visit.
In the debate I made it clear that while tourism and hospitality
are vital parts of our economy in Mid-Cornwall, both for those who work in
tourism and hospitality businesses, and also those who supply them, there has
to be a balance to this, and in recent years in some communities this has tipped
too far in favour of second homes and short term holiday let accommodation,
meaning local people who would otherwise live and work in these towns and
villages all year round are finding it increasingly difficult to do so.
In the debate I highlighted examples of this, instances of
local businesses and public services—ranging from hotels to our schools and
hospitals—being unable to recruit key staff, with the lack of available housing
given as the main reason why they cannot recruit or why people cannot move to
start work.
I also highlighted the percentage of second homes and
holiday lets in these communities, in comparison, to the significant numbers of
people we currently have on the housing register in Cornwall, and the numbers
of short-term holiday let accommodation listings on Airbnb and the like (18,989)
compared to long term rent listings on Rightmove (895).
With that being said, the Government has taken more steps to
address the situation than any other Government, and I highlighted some of
these in my debate. The Government has closed
the business rate loophole, which allowed second homeowners to claim that their
properties were holiday lets and therefore qualify for small business rate
relief, paying neither council tax nor business rates and contributing nothing
to local services.
The Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023, which became law
earlier this year makes provision for local authorities like Cornwall Council
to charge double council tax on second homes. People who own second homes and
do not rent them out to local people should rightly pay more to make up for the
fact that those properties have been removed from primary occupancy. That was
the right thing to do, and the Government did it. Cornwall Council is keen to
apply the provision as soon as possible because it will bring in an anticipated
extra £20 million income a year, which can go back into the provision of
services for taxpayers in our Duchy.
It will also allow Cornwall Council the power to compile a full
register of holiday lets for the first time, which will give them a full and
accurate picture of exactly how many properties in the communities they serve
are being used as holiday lets. Knowing how many holiday lets there are is the
first step towards being able to better manage their number in our communities
The Government have consulted on giving powers to local
councils to require a change of planning permission when homes are taken out of
residential use and converted to holiday lets. If planning permission was
granted to build a house to be somebody’s home and the new owner wishes to
change its use to a holiday let, which is essentially a business use, a change
of use should be required. We insist on that for all sorts of other businesses,
and I believe the same should apply to holiday lets.
These measures will improve the situation significantly. In
the debate I asked that the Minister ensure that these consultations are
replied to as soon as possible, to allow local authorities to register of
holiday lets and the planning change of use requirements to be implemented.
We need to work together to ensure that it improves as soon
as possible and I will continue working in Parliament and in Cornwall to make
this happen.
As ever, my office is available for any constituents needing
help, advice or guidance. Please do get in touch if I can help – tel. 01726
829379, email – office@stevedouble.org.uk
