A proposal is to go before Allerdale’s full council which, if passed, would launch a call for greater resources to control holiday let numbers at local level.
Councillor for Keswick, Markus Campbell-Savours will propose that Allerdale Borough Council calls on the Government to tackle the UK housing crisis.
In particular, his proposal calls for a review of the current tax arrangements for holiday lets, considering if they are driving up house prices and reducing the supply of private rental properties.
Cllr Campbell-Savours’ motion includes a proposal for a self financing enforcement system. This would give local authorities the resources to set their own limit on the number of holiday lets and enforce them.
Cllr Campbell-Savours said: “Since being elected as a councillor, it’s not just been concerns around the number of property lets it’s also been concerns around the behaviour of people staying at holiday lets.
“Neighbours are getting increasingly frustrated that they’re getting disturbed on work nights by inconsiderate people on holiday.”
The Labour councillor has also seen a shortage of properties for people who want to live in Keswick as a surge in holiday lets at the tourist hotspot has eroded private housing stocks.
Cllr Campbell-Savours said: “A licensing system could give the local authorities the resources they need to make sure holiday lets are being enforced properly.”
The councillor for Keswick envisions the regulations as a council worker role similar to a planning enforcement officer.
New resources for borough and district councils could be funded by changes in the tax arrangements on holiday lets. “I don’t see why residents in the Lake District who want to see enforcement should pay for it. It’s a way of making the holiday let industry pay for a system that regulates their activities.”
Cllr Campbell-Savours’ motion says: “Caps could be developed during existing housing needs assessments and a system of enforcement self-financed through licence fees”
The next meeting of the full council takes place tomorrow, January 26, from 7pm at Rawnsley Hall in Keswick.
