Airbnbs ruining our city, says MP
Airbnbs are ruining the lives of local families and damaging businesses in Bath, according to the city’s MP.
Wera Hobhouse, inset, spoke in the House of Commons about the issue. She said Airbnbs had had a “devastating” effect on local housing, traditional B&BS and small hotels in the city.
The Liberal Democrat said: “In cities such as Bath, Airbnb has had a devastating effect, and not only on the local housing market but on traditional B&BS and small hotels.
“The effect is particularly dramatic when whole houses are turned into Airbnb properties.
“It is a travesty of the original intention behind Airbnb as part of the sharing economy - now it is just big business. Before any further damage is done, could we have a statement from the Business Secretary on how he intends to address the huge damage that Airbnb does to local family life and to local businesses?”
In response, Leader of the
House of Commons Mark Spencer said that Airbnbs do have a “huge beneficial effect” on the rest of the economy.
He said: “The Hon. Lady raises an important matter that is worthy of debate. She will also recognise, however, that by facilitating people’s ability to visit Bath, Airbnb has a huge beneficial effect on the rest of the economy, with people visiting cafes, restaurants, museums, antique shops and chip shops.
“It is important to facilitate people’s ability to visit and make use of tourist attractions. I am sure that the Business Secretary will have heard the Hon. Lady’s comments, and she will have an opportunity to address them directly to him at the next Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy questions.”
Concerns have been raised before that Airbnbs are not regulated enough. Others have become known as ‘party houses’ which can cause disruption.
After the Commons speech,
Ms Hobhouse added: “Airbnb began as a means to rent out a spare room. It is a good idea.
“However, property owners have found loopholes in regulation, meaning long-term renters are being turfed out and whole family homes are lost to Airbnb.
“In cities like Bath, this has a huge impact on the local housing market and on traditional B&BS and small hotels. Airbnbs also don’t require the same safety measures as traditional B&BS and hotels. It is simply unfair.
“In other cases, Airbnbs used as ‘party houses’ cause a nuisance to neighbours and contribute to rising house prices. We must ensure that Bath remains an attractive destination, but also a wonderful and affordable place to live. The Business Secretary must provide a statement on how he intends to address the huge damage that Airbnb does to local family life and to local businesses.”
Airbnb has been approached for comment.