In response to the Mayor’s announcement that he will be calling upon the Government to introduce a short-term letting registration system in the capital, Labour’s London Assembly Housing Spokesperson, Tom Copley AM, said:
“The current regulatory framework for short-term lets is not fit for purpose and is failing to keep up with the burgeoning growth of the sector. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with people renting out a room, or their home while they are away on holiday, the growth of a professionalised short-term lettings sector must be resisted to protect our long-term housing stock.
“Calling for a registration system is an important step by the Mayor, and follows on from the action being taken by other cities such as Barcelona. It also echoes the recommendations made in my London Assembly report on short-term lets for data sharing processes to be improved to help local authorities to more robustly enforce the 90-day rule.
“Now the ball is in the Government’s court put the necessary measures in place to clamp down on those that abuse the system, while ensuring that legitimate home-sharing can continue.
“However, it is ridiculous that powers to regulate the sector haven’t been devolved to City Hall, meaning the Mayor is unable to take action directly.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
- Tom Copley AM’s report, ‘More BnB? Short-term Lets in London's Housing Crisis’, can be read here;
- Tom Copley AM is a Londonwide Assembly Member.