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TODAY'S OTHER NEWS

Labour MPs protest over ‘damage’ done by spread of Airbnb-style short lets

Senior Labour MPs have spoken out about what they believe are the anti-social and detrimental effects of short lets on surrounding homeowners and long-term private tenants.

Labour MP Karen Buck - who is behind the government-backed Homes (Fit for Human Habitation) Bill - is now taking another Private Members Bill to the Commons, this time demanding that owners who let their properties through Airbnb and similar platforms must register with their local council first.

She says noise and anti-social behaviour have blighted communities in London where large numbers of short-term lettings have sprung up in recent years.

She has cited noisy parties and anti-social behaviour as side effects of the short lets explosion.

Now other MPs have backed Buck, and say there are similar problems in other cities.

Lucy Powell took to Twitter to say Airbnb and similar short let platforms were creating a “really serious problem” in central Manchester in particular. She suggested damage was being done to the lifestyles of neighbours and neighbourhoods.

Hilary Benn joined the social media debate: he said in Leeds one group of residents found themselves next to what he described as “a hotel” because of the proliferation of short lets.

A spokesperson for the UK Short Term Accommodation Association told London’s Evening Standard newspaper: “Instead of putting unnecessary burdens on homeowners who occasionally let out their home, we can support existing legislation by ensuring the safe and responsible growth of the industry.”

Airbnb insists its hosts’ properties in Greater London are let out for no more than 90 days a year.

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    Airbnb & Uber taxis are both highly effective market disrupters, very profitable if you are involved in the right way, but at whose expense?

    The tried & tested way of doing things may well not always be the best way, but very often is. Both these disrupters will be seen in hindsight as very bad news for society in general even if great for the (ab)users of these services.

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    Its not a one way street this issue. I have a rental property that I rent long term and on the same road has been a "trouble" house, heaven knows how many people were living there or at least sleeping there, rubbish strewn about the street outside, alcohol related problems especially late at night.........BUT now it appears to be a well run air BNB. Problem house gone, well maintained quite house in its place. I'm sure thats not unique.

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