A National Treasure

British self-catering accommodation has a rich history. Many British agencies date back to the 1970s and 1980s. The National Trust first offered holiday lets in the 1940s, and the Landmark Trust in 1965. Self-catering accommodation is a traditional holiday choice for many families, as well as for those exploring off the beaten track, such as the many National Coast Paths.

It is also a key employer for many trades, such as cleaners, housekeepers, gardeners, maintenance people, and decorators. Visitors provide trade to local pubs and restaurants, and to local shops, as well as to tourist attractions and leisure businesses enjoyed by holidaymakers and local residents alike.

A New Landscape

Whilst a self-catering holiday has been the staple holiday choice for millions of Britons for decades, the marketing landscape has changed in recent years, since the introduction of international platforms such as Airbnb, Booking.com, VRBO and Trip Advisor. These platforms have made holiday homes more visible by placing them on single international websites.

These new platforms have also introduced new entrants to the short-term let market. People now rent out spare rooms or their own primary residence for a few weeks of the year, providing vital funds for people to supplement their income, particularly in the current cost of living crisis.

The Government Consultations

The Government has launched two consultations about the short-term let sector. The first proposes the introduction of a registration scheme for short-term lets. The second proposes a new planning class for short-term lets.

Our Position

We strongly support the introduction of a mandatory registration scheme for all short-term lets (from renting a room to a typical self-catered holiday home). Designed correctly, this will:

· help ensure all short-term accommodation is safe and legal.

· provide the Government with accurate data, from which further policy decisions can be made.

· provide vital funds to local authorities to deal with reports of anti-social behaviour.

There is a housing crisis in many parts of the UK. But we do not believe the traditional self-catered holiday let market is a significant contributor to this. There are huge misunderstandings about the sector and its diverse make-up, particularly following the rise of international platforms, which have increased the online visibility of existing properties and have added many new types of accommodation.

We strongly believe no further interventions should be made (including implementing restrictions through the planning process) until a registration scheme has been up and running for a period of time to provide the Government with accurate data, which can inform reasonable and proportionate decisions.

Planning is a blunt instrument that could have catastrophic consequences for local people, local pubs and other local businesses and attractions. Once businesses close, they may never reopen, so the harm may be irreversible.

MPs and the general public are already seeing the unintended consequences resulting from tax reforms introduced for private landlords. We need to ensure there are no further unintended consequences for our local communities by introducing disproportionate planning measures aimed at one small section of the housing market, without an evidence base.

We need your help!

If you agree with our position, please click the button below to send a petition to your local MP and council. The process is quick and simple and should take no more than 1 minute. 

Our Supporters