Give council more power over holiday lets - Airbnb

Airbnb is often cited as a reason for "overtourism" in Cornwall

Airbnb has called for Cornwall Council to be given more data, powers and tools to regulate short-term rentals.

The US online rental platform said it had written to local MPs and councillors across Cornwall to inform them of its support for new rules being implemented in the county.

Airbnb also said it also supported the introduction of a registration scheme for people who want to let their homes to tourists.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said it understood the "frustration" of communities where large numbers of properties were used as second homes and holiday lets.

"That's why, to protect communities we are giving councils powers to charge a council tax premium on second homes," a spokesman said.

"We are also introducing a registration scheme for short-term lets and removing tax incentives for landlords."

The government said local authorities would be given the "discretionary power" to charge a council tax premium of up to 100% on second homes from April 2025.

It added the registration scheme would be introduced in England "as soon as possible".

'Scapegoated'

Portfolio holder for housing Olly Monk welcomed the call from Airbnb.

"To be fair to Airbnb, they were the chief protagonists in calling for a registration scheme for all holiday lets," he said.

"The reason for that is, in some respects, they feel they've been scapegoated."

Airbnb is often cited as a reason for "overtourism" in Cornwall and detractors have said an increase of holiday lets in coastal areas was "partly to blame for the housing shortage".

However, Airbnb said its data showed the majority of hosts on its site in Cornwall list one space for less than four nights a month.

It said homes listed for 90 nights or more per year account for just 1.1% of Cornwall's total housing stock.

However, it said it understood the housing challenges facing communities and it "wants to help ensure they are equipped to regulate short-term lets, should they wish".

The government said the council tax premium on second homes was not a mandatory requirement, but for councils to decide whether to charge the premium and at what rate.