Airbnb is advocating for Cornwall Council to receive increased powers to regulate short-term rentals and address the overtourism and housing shortage in the area. The UK government supports the introduction of a registration scheme and discretionary council tax premium on second homes by April 2025. Airbnb maintains that most rentals are infrequent and the company wishes to aid in managing housing challenges.
Airbnb has urged for Cornwall Council to be granted more authority to oversee short-term rentals.
The company has communicated its support to local MPs and councillors for new regulatory measures in the county, including a registration scheme for those letting homes to tourists.
The UK government plans to introduce a registration scheme and give councils discretionary power to charge up to a 100% council tax premium on second homes by April 2025.
Housing portfolio holder Olly Monk acknowledged Airbnb's role in pushing for these changes, noting that Airbnb feels scapegoated for Cornwall's overtourism and housing issues.
Airbnb's data indicates that most hosts in Cornwall rent out their properties for less than four nights per month, with homes listed for 90 nights or more annually representing only 1.1% of the housing stock.