CIH submit evidence to the government on short term and holiday lets

The issue of rising numbers of short term and holiday lets properties is something which we know is important to many of our members in a variety of locations; from rural and coastal holiday ‘hotspots’ to residential areas in large cities. With this in mind CIH have made a submission to the government's call for evidence on 'developing a tourist economy registration scheme in England'. 

In our submission we recognise that short term and holiday lets support the tourism economy. But also that the substantial increase in residential properties being converted to these uses in recent years in specific locations is dramatically reducing housing choices for local residents and pushing up prices, having devastating impacts on individuals and communities.

In our submission we recommend government undertakes a more comprehensive review of the issue and options, and considers proposals for a combination of a licensing scheme alongside planning legislation and council tax and business rate changes.