SNP Outline Plan to Regulate Short Term Lets

Gordon Macdonald MSP has backed an announcement from the Scottish Government that local councils will be given new powers to licence and limit the number of short-term lets, such as AirBNB.

The number of short-term lets in Scotland has risen dramatically in recent years – Edinburgh, alone, accounts for 31% of short term lets across Scotland - but evidence shows that in many tourist hotspots locals are finding it increasingly hard to find homes to live in.

Speaking in Holyrood on Wednesday, Housing Minister Kevin Stewart outlined the SNP’s plans to establish a licensing scheme for short-term lets and a review of the tax paid by the properties – as well handing councils the power to introduce ‘short-term let control areas’ where the number of AirBNB properties can be restricted through planning permission.

Welcoming the announcement, MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon Macdonald, said, “The proposals announced by the Scottish Government will give Edinburgh council new powers to control the number of short-term lets in the our local communities and make sure they make a fair contribution to the services they use.

“It’s important that we strike a balance between the undeniable economic benefits of tourism to Scotland and the impact on local communities.

“Edinburgh, alone, accounts for 31% of short term lets across Scotland. These short-term lets such as AirBNB are restricting the number of properties available for those looking for a home to live in.

“I am very pleased that the SNP has outlined a robust and proportionate approach to tackling this serious issue – I’d call on politicians across Edinburgh to get behind these proposals and help secure real change for the area.”