MP convenes public session in York to discuss Airbnb regulation

Rachael Maskell tabled a private members’ bill in Parliament last December calling for tighter regulation of short-term vacation rentals like Airbnb.

But she says it has since been largely superseded by changes to the government’s own leveling law that would include some of the measures included in her bill.

The government is currently holding two consultations, she says: one on a proposal to introduce a national registration system for short-term rentals and the other on plans to require planning permission for houses intended for holiday rentals in certain circumstances.

She says both measures could potentially make a real difference and help stem the spread of Airbnbs and short-term rentals, which some say are contributing to York’s housing shortage.

They would mean there would be at least some regulation of the short-term rental market, Ms Maskell says.

Now she has called a community meeting in York for next Thursday to explain the government’s proposed regulations – and discuss how people can take part in the consultations, which end on June 7.

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The meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 25 at Southlands Methodist Hall and is open to all.

Ms Maskell said: “The expansion of short-term holiday rentals and its impact on community life is an issue of great concern to me and many other residents across the city.

“Last year I presented my ‘Fairbnb Bill’ to the government.

“Much of my bill has now been adopted by the government in this new legislation, although there are areas I’m still keen to see strengthened if we are to meet the scale of the challenges some of our neighborhoods are facing.”

“I’m really pleased that the government is finally recognizing the need for better regulation of short-term rentals, but would like to push for more local powers so that municipalities can develop tailored approaches that address local issues and address community concerns.”

“These consultations are the best way for the people of York to press Government to make these significant changes, and this meeting is an opportunity to learn more about the proposals and how to most effectively respond to these consultations.”

To book a place for the meeting, visit www.rachaelmaskell.com/airbnb