Ministers ‘must publish Airbnb report’

LIBERAL Democrat MP for Tiverton & Honiton, Richard Foord has called for the Government to publish the findings of their review into the usage of Airbnbs and shortterm holiday lets.

More than 8,000 Devon properties are listed on Airbnb and the number of UK listings grew 33% from 2017-18. But there are concerns about this growing market when many local people are struggling to find an affordable home.

The Government held a review into the growth of short-term tourist accommodation in June – but has yet to publish the findings.

In a Westminster Hall debate, Mr Foord criticised the ‘unrestricted growth’ of this market and called on the Government to both publish the review’s findings and act upon them to support local people.

Afterwards, Mr Foordsaid SW communities are being put under pressure by the growth of shortterm holiday lets. “There are more than 11,000 short-term lets, such as Airbnb, in Devon alone - and this is affecting local communities. I have many constituents contacting me about their difficulty finding local homes to buy or rent, and they find it galling just how many properties are being snapped up as holiday homes or investment opportunities.

“Earlier this year there were just three homes available in all of Honiton for private rent. It’s clear to me that we need more affordable homes for local people, not more Airbnbs and short-term lets.”

He said ministers should publish the full review as soon as possible, and act upon its findings “to ensure our towns and villages can continue to thrive without local people being priced out of their own community.”