This week the government announced it would be opening up a public consultation for 8 weeks, running from 12 April 2023 to 7 June 2023 for a potential registration scheme for short-term lets in England.

The scheme would mean homeowners would need to go through a planning process in their area before being allowed to convert the property into a holiday let.

The consultation is just for England as Scotland and Northern Ireland already have short-term let licensing schemes in operation, and Wales is introducing a statutory licensing scheme for all visitor accommodation providers.

On the website for the consultation, they said: "The government is clear that short-term let's bring a range of benefits, such as income for individual homeowners and to local economies through increased visitor spend, and increased choice for consumers.

"At the same time, there are concerns about inconsistencies within the regulatory framework for the guest accommodation sector: unlike with hotels and B&Bs, it is difficult to monitor compliance with key health and safety regulations by short-term lets given the lack of an authoritative data source.

"Concerns have also been raised in areas with a high concentration of short-term lets about the impact on the availability and affordability of local rental housing and increased house prices driven by additional demand from owners of short-term lets. We have also heard about the negative effects on local areas of anti-social behaviour, and a broader 'hollowing out' of communities."

However, some feel this consultation is a little too late, in response to the announcement a Labour spokesperson said: "The Conservative Government has a track record of making announcements on second homes and doing nothing. They announced doubling council tax months ago but the Bill has not been prioritised through Parliament, so it won't happen until after the next General Election."

Jayne Kirkham, Labour Parliamentary Candidate for Truro and Falmouth said: "A Labour Government will bring in a programme of council housebuilding, a Renters' Charter, and help for first-time buyers. A joined-up approach to tackle Cornwall's housing crisis. And devolve the power to Cornwall to take measures to manage our housing supply, so we will never again be reliant on Westminster in a matter so crucial to Cornwall."

Cherilyn Mackrory Conservative MP for Truro and Falmouth responded to the announcement with a video on social media and called it a 'really positive announcement', you can watch it here: Watch

You can find more information and start the online consultation here: Consultation on a registration scheme for short-term lets in England - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)