Agenda item - Report of Short Term Lets Task & Finish Group

44. Report of Short Term Lets Task & Finish Group

44.1 Cllr Evans presented the report of the Short Term Lets Task & Finish Group, commenting on the knowledge of the group and opinions on how best to manage the growth of short term lets, between the need for tourist provision, with all the jobs and income the hospitality industry provides, and the need for answers to the housing shortage, pockets of anti-social-behaviour, and dwindling sense of social cohesion in some over saturated areas. She referred to the different council officers from around the UK who spoke to the group and their preferences for regulation, and that two government departments are currently working on this issue. The finished report, once passed by Place OSC, would be sent to both departments and to Rachael Maskell MP, all of whom had requested copies. She summarised the issues of rogue operators who are not adhering to the law, whether intentional or not, and the disparity this causes with professional, good owners like Catherine Lane who presented the deputation. Cllr Evans ended by thanking everyone who had taken part in the Task & Finish Group.

44.2 Members were positive about the report and in agreement about the need for regulation of short term lets and had a discussion around the recommendations put forward. Points raised included the need to lobby for a new use class that must remove permitted development rights since the property needs to be treated differently to a residence and controlled by Planning; whether a voluntary register would be worthwhile; whether Brighton and Hove could follow Blackpool’s example of using the “sui generis” use class; whether current buy-to-let properties could migrate to being short term lets; whether enforcement could be taken in collaboration with HMRC through reporting rogue operators; and the effect of empty homes on the city.

44.3 Cllr Pickett asked about how the recommendations will be monitored to ensure that progress is made. The report will go to cabinet in May to consider the recommendations and it will be the responsibility of Place O&S Committee to monitor. We would expect an update report in a few months’ time.

44.4 Place Overview & Scrutiny Committee resolved to note the report, agree the recommendations and to refer them to cabinet.