MSP backs new powers to limit short-term lets

IAN BUNTING

Airdrie MSP Alex Neil has backed an announcement from the Scottish government that local councils will be given new powers to licence and limit short-term lets.

The number of shortterm lets in Scotland has risen dramatically in recent years.

But evidence shows that, in many places, residents are finding it increasingly hard to find homes to live in.

Speaking in Holyrood last week, Housing Minister Kevin Stewart outlined the SNP’s plans to establish a licensing scheme for shortterm lets and a review of the tax paid by the properties – as well as handing councils the power to introduce “short- term let control areas” where they can be restricted through planning permission.

We l c o m i n g the announcement, Mr Neil said: “We must strike a balance between the economic benefits and the impact on local communities.

“In my Airdrie & Shotts constituency, short- term lets are restricting the number of properties available for those looking for a home to live in.

“The proposals announced by the Scottish government will give North Lanarkshire Council new powers to control the number of short-term lets in the local community and ensure they make a fair contribution to the services they use.

“The SNP has outlined a robust and proportionate approach to tackling this serious issue.

“I would call on my parliamentary colleagues f rom across Nor th Lanarkshire to get behind these proposals and help secure real change for the area.”

Appeal Mr Neil has called on his parliamentary colleagues to “get behind these proposals and help secure real change”