Member of Parliament for the Cities of London & Westminster, Nickie Aiken, spoke out in the House of Commons Chamber in favour of the Government’s amendment to the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill for a short-term lets registration scheme.

In her speech, Nickie outlined that whilst there are positive attributes to short-term lets, for example, boosts to the local economy from tourists, she highlighted the blight that such properties can create in local neighbourhoods when rogue operators start to take advantage.

Problems include allowing their properties to become hubs of unwanted noise pollution and anti-social behaviour. Too many short-term lets also create a dearth in the long-term rental market, which in turn raises prices.

In accepting her amendment and backing calls for a registration scheme, the Government has taken a huge step in the right direction towards improving the rental sector. Local authorities will soon be empowered to take action against problems by implementing a tourist accommodation registration scheme in their area, tailored to their local requirements.

This victory would not have been possible without the support of you as local constituents. Many of you signed Nickie's petition and shared your views with her. Thank you to all those who contributed. Nickie looks forward to working with Ministers ahead of the next public consultation and its subsequent implementation.