Former Lib Dem leader Tim Farron,is quoted: “The government have failed to act to counter the collapse of the long-term rented market into Airbnb properties. We have seen an eviction — a Lakeland clearance — of local people who could work not just in hospitality and tourism but in care, education, health and other sectors. The government promised to bring in a separate category of planning use for short-term lets, but they have failed to do so and have let my community down in the process.”
In the same debate a Tory MP from Cornwall, Steve Double, told government minister Nigel Huddleston: “One thing that the Treasury could do is level the tax playing field on the tax breaks between short-term holiday lets and residential properties. That would make a significant difference and would really help.”
