Register of Cornish holiday homes to ‘level the field’
VISIT Cornwall’s stated aim is simple: to “grow” the county’s “visitor economy” to ensure it remains Britain’s “number one holiday destination”.
So visitors might be forgiven for scratching their heads at the tourist board’s latest plan – an attempt to deter visitors in peak season by introducing a register on holiday homes.
In a move that some might call selfdefeating, tourism chiefs have begun a consultation on a proposal to introduce compulsory registration for all Cornwall’s rented holiday homes.
The county has suffered summer overcrowding, fuelled by staycationers during the pandemic, and an “explosion” of second homes available for rent on websites such as Airbnb and Vrbo.
The mandatory registration scheme would require all accommodation providers to log their names, location of the second home, insurance details and a fire risk assessment as well as details of the property itself.
If the scheme is approved, homeowners will be forced to pay a registration fee likely to be in the region of £200.
The register could be up and running in time for next summer’s holiday season in 2023.
The proposed crackdown in Cornwall will follow hot on the heels of plans– due to be unveiled in the Queen’s Speech today – to hit second-home owners with double council tax if they are let out for at least 70 days a year.
The Government has become alarmed at rising house prices in picturesque areas and is designed to appeal to voters in the south of England.
Visit Cornwall estimates about five million holidaymakers travel to the county each year and has been looking at ways of cutting numbers for some time. During the pandemic, Visit Cornwall warned visitors to stay away after beaches became overcrowded and services overwhelmed.
An analysis by Cornwall Live, a local news website, suggested 20 times more homes were available for holiday lets on Airbnb than for local people to rent.
The registration scheme, also backed by South East Cornwall Tourism Association, Penzance & District Tourism Association, We are Bude, Visit Tamar Valley, Visit Falmouth, and Land’s End Accommodation, will go out for consultation in the coming weeks.
Malcolm Bell, the chief executive of Visit Cornwall, said: “This is an opportunity to provide a level playing field at last, with all providers bearing the same level of costs.
“Visitors to Cornwall will be reassured that wherever they stay the accommodation will comply with all necessary legislation to ensure they enjoy a safe, enjoyable holiday.”