Government plans to introduce controls on Airbnbs have been welcomed by the York MP who has been campaigning on the issue.
Converting homes into short-term holiday lets would require planning permission under a new law, to stop residents being “pushed out of cherished towns”.
The Government has said it will consult on the change and on another proposal for a registration scheme for short-term holiday lets.
York Central MP Rachael Maskell introduced a private members bill to Parliament last year to license short term lets and allow councils to inspect and control them.
She did so after seeing the impact of increasing Airbnb on York.
In York, it is estimated that there are more than 2,000 properties listed as short-term rentals, 85% of which are for entire homes – while almost 1,000 people in the city are on the council’s list waiting for a home.
Ms Maskell said: “I was determined to see the law change over short term holiday lets and these two government consultations are the next step of the journey.
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“Between the two consultations, my Bill has been adopted, and over the coming days I will study the detail.
“I will be engaging with residents across my constituency to ensure that they can provide the fullest possible response to this consultation and will hold public engagement events so that residents can really engage with the content of the consultation.
“This is a really important step for York, and it goes to show what an MP can achieve when they listen to their communities and fight hard in Parliament on their behalf.
“We still have a long way to go to see the consultation turn into law, but I am pleased that residents in York have been heard and my work has paid off.”
What Airbnb say
Theo Lomas, head of public policy and government relations for northern Europe at Airbnb, said: “Airbnb has long called for a national register for short-term lets and we welcome the Government taking this forward.
“We know that registers are clear and simple for everyday hosts to follow while giving authorities the information they need to regulate effectively.
“The vast majority of UK hosts share one home, and almost four in 10 say the earnings help them afford the rising cost of living.
“We want to work with the Government to ensure that any planning interventions are carefully considered, evidence-based, and strike a balance between protecting housing and supporting everyday families who let their space to help afford their home and keep pace with rising living costs.”
Here are links to the two consultations on changing the law for short term lets: