Campaigners ‘excluded from meeting to tackle holiday let fears’

Campaigners have claimed they are being excluded from plans to address issues caused by a rise in short-term holiday lets in Edinburgh.

Living Rent, Scotland’s tenants’ union, says the increasing popularity of Airbnb has pushed up rents for residents seeking affordable long-term accommodation.

Its members staged a demonstration outside Edinburgh City Chambers yesterday as representatives from the online room rental firm met with councillors to discuss future regulation of the short term let industry. 0 Gavin Barrie says the meeting was very helpful

Living Rent says it was not made aware or invited to the meeting, which was also attended by some residents who use Airbnb to rent out their properties. Councillor Gavin Barrie, housing and economy convener, said: “This morning I chaired a meeting to give councillors, officers and Airbnb the opportunity to discuss future regulation of the short term let industry. The meeting was very helpful and we will now work with officers on proposals, which will also be informed by the Scottish Government’s report, which will go to a future committee meeting.”

A statement from Airbnb said: “Airbnb wants to be regulated and we have worked with more than 300 governments around the world on clear home sharing rules - and we want to do the same in Edinburgh.”