Member of Parliament for the Cities of London & Westminster, Nickie Aiken is delighted to secure a win for the people of the Two Cities following her ask to the Prime Minister to help mitigate the blight of short-term lets. At Prime Minister's Questions, the Prime Minister confirmed the introduction of a registration scheme, managed by local councils.
Nickie has long campaigned for the introduction of controls on short-term lets, not only in Westminster but around the country.
Short-term lets can be a great way for tourists to visit our neighbourhoods and see all that central London has to offer, but Nickie has heard repeatedly from local people about the misery rogue operators are causing, especially the anti-social behaviour, and unwanted noise from visitors arriving at all times of day and night.
Currently, rules allow homeowners to let their property for up to 90 nights. However, it is clear that too many rogue landlords are exceeding this limit. Too many short-lets directly impact the supply of rented properties and hike up rents for families and young professionals hoping to settle here.
Nickie was therefore relieved to hear the Prime Minister confirm that the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Rt. Hon Michael Gove MP, will introduce a tourist accommodation registration scheme, for better regulation of the sector, to understand the impact on local communities and to consult on whether any planning regulations should be introduced in the future for such properties.
Now that the scheme has been confirmed, Nickie still needs your help to shape the legislation; please tell her of your experiences and encourage your neighbours to do the same. Nickie will use your feedback in debates with examples of the anti-social behaviour and problems so many of you have suffered with by having short-term lets in your neighbourhood.
You can find out more about Nickie's work as Two Cities' MP on her website.