Exclusive

EXCLUSIVE: Housing campaigners issue warning over rise in holiday homes and call for 5% tax on short term lets

12 September 2024, 14:52

The new Labour government is being told it urgently needs to come up with an affordable home strategy to solve the UK’s housing crisis.
The new Labour government is being told it urgently needs to come up with an affordable home strategy to solve the UK’s housing crisis. Picture: LBC/Three Seas Trust

By Andy Ballantyne

A leading housing charity says the money can be used to build or renovate affordable homes in coastal and rural areas suffering with a lack of families, workers and a so-called brain drain.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

The new Labour government is being told it urgently needs to come up with an affordable home strategy to solve the UK’s housing crisis.

High interest rates, inflation, wage stagnation and entrenched economic inequality are part of the mix.

Declining rates of owner occupation especially among the under 35s, growing mortgage stress and rising rents complete the picture.

According to Action for Homes, one in every 18 homes in Cornwall is empty for more than six months of the year.

Read more: UK holidaymakers ‘heading to lesser-known areas of popular countries’

Read more: Tom Holland and Zendaya spotted enjoying breakfast at Cornwall cafe before popping to Asda

According to Action for Homes, one in every 18 homes in Cornwall is empty for more than six months of the year.
According to Action for Homes, one in every 18 homes in Cornwall is empty for more than six months of the year. Picture: LBC

Now a leading housing charity is asking the powers that be to bring in a 5% tax on the overall total bill when we buy a stay or break at a holiday let or Airbnb.

Three Seas Trust in Cornwall says that cash can be used for projects to build or renovate empty homes for local people.

They’re looking for a quarter of a million pounds to help restore 11 coastguard cottages for local people to live in.

Three Seas Trust in Cornwall looking for a quarter of a million pounds to help restore 11 coastguard cottages (pictured) for local people to live in.
Three Seas Trust in Cornwall looking for a quarter of a million pounds to help restore 11 coastguard cottages (pictured) for local people to live in. Picture: Three Seas Trust

Manager Simon Ryan says unless something is done to stop the spread of holiday homes, there will be more ‘ghost towns and villages’ across the UK.

“The tourist industry is really the heart of Cornwall’s community; the government need to tell Airbnb and the rest of the industry: WE will put a 5% tax on every sale - and that money will be ploughed back into affordable housing solutions for each community.

“This plot here, with this view is worth multiple millions of pounds - that’s the truth - we are not going to permit that to happen we are going to keep this for the people of Looe and in perpetuity.”

The rise in no-fault evictions in Devon and Cornwall means more than 30 thousand people are now on the social housing waiting list.

The rise in no-fault evictions in Devon and Cornwall means more than 30 thousand people are now on the social housing waiting list.
The rise in no-fault evictions in Devon and Cornwall means more than 30 thousand people are now on the social housing waiting list. Picture: Three Seas Trust

According to the local government association, more and more people are turning to local authorities for help.

In January this year LBC had disclosures from around 100 councils across England show that the spend on temporary accommodation in 2023/24 is projected to be 20% higher than last year’s £1.74bn, taking the total to just shy of £2.1bn.

After 5-years living in a property with no heating Abbie Fisher has moved into new social housing in the South Hams are of Devon.

With a low affordable rent, she is now contributing to the shops, pubs and keeping the local economy going especially during the quieter shoulder months.

She’s paying around £400 a month in rent but the security, physical and mental health of living in a house she and her two children aged 11 and 6 is improving and now feels she has a good future ahead of her.

Back in Looe, LBC spoke to Anne, a pensioner who has lived in the coastal town for 12-years, she agrees about the benefits of the Three Seas Trust project.

She says, “The town is not like it used to be because of the number of second homes here.  “Cause there’s nowhere for the locals and they can’t afford to buy here anymore, it’s ridiculous.”

“I’m a pensioner, I can’t afford £800 a month (in rent) and the rest, and if you’re a youngster you’ve got no chance to have a home, because wages aren’t that good down here.”

Three Seas Trust hopes to renovate 11 coastguard cottages to help combat the housing crisis in Cornwall.
Three Seas Trust hopes. Picture: Three Seas Trust

LBC contacted the Department of Housing about Simon Ryan’s proposal, and they responded with a written statement.

“We understand the frustration people feel when properties that could be someone’s house are used as second properties and holiday lets.

“We’re giving councils powers to charge a council tax premium of up to 100% on second homes and introducing a registration scheme for short-term lets to protect the spirit of our communities.”

Until a strategy is produced and tighter control on second homes and holiday lets is introduced Simon believes no fault evictions and available housing stock will continue to reduce.

He’s hoping that his small part in trying to provide ‘local housing for local people’ will gain momentum with time and hopefully reverse the current trend, which is tearing the very heart out of communities that the holidaymakers love so much.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

A poll of 2,000 parents of school-aged children in the UK suggests around one in six (17%) parents rated the toilets at their child’s school as unclean.

'Like a horror movie': One in 10 parents say children avoid school over 'filthy' toilets

On Saturday evening, the annual silent walk will take place in west London to mark eight years since the blaze, followed by the reading of the names of the 72 dead, and speeches by campaigners.

Grenfell community gathers for final anniversary before tower demolition begins

Lord Victor Adebowale, chair of the NHS Confederation, who has slammed racial inequalities in the health service.

‘Black service, not NHS service’: Health leader condemns racial inequalities that failed mother

Kylie Minogue has cancelled a string of upcoming shows.

Kylie Minogue cancels string of upcoming shows as pop icon shares health update

Emma Webber, the mother of Barnaby Webber (left) and Dr Sanjoy Kumar, the father of Grace O'Malley Kumar during a memorial walk to lay flowers in Nottingham, to mark the second anniversary of their murders.

'Cover-ups' and 'mistruths' surrounding care of Nottingham attack killer, Barnaby Webber's mother claims

David Beckham has been awarded a knighthood in the King's Birthday Honours.

David Beckham receives knighthood as Strictly hosts and Luke Littler made MBEs in King's Birthday Honours

A protest against proposals for a new Chinese embassy will take place from 2pm at Royal Mint Court, near the capital’s financial district, while pro-Palestinian demonstrators are expected to gather in Parliament Square at the same time.

Demonstrators set to gather for multiple protests against Chinese Embassy and Gaza conflict in London on Saturday

he Prime Minister has said he has “grave concerns” about Iran’s nuclear programme as he backed Israel ’s right to self defence.

Keir Starmer voices 'grave concerns' over Iran’s nuclear programme in call with Donald Trump

Rapper O hAnnaidh, who performs under the name Mo Chara, will be represented by a team that includes Gareth Peirce, solicitor for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange during his fight against US extradition, and Rosalind Comyn.

'We are ready for this fight': Kneecap’s legal team for court battle to include Julian Assange lawyer

Israeli Iron Dome air defense system fires to intercept missiles over Tel Aviv, Israel, Friday, June 13, 2025.

Iranian missiles hospitalise scores of Israelis as Tel Aviv bombarded by waves of retaliatory strikes

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, left, and Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, visit to the University College London Hospital (UCLH).

NHS to slash waiting lists by sending patients straight to GPs for treatment

Exclusive
Lottie Tomlinson has shared her experience of grief with LBC in hopes to encourage others to open up and seek support.

‘My grief has been a long journey of healing’ - Louis Tomlinson’s sister shares heartbreaking experience with LBC

Former GB News presenter Laurence Fox at Woolwich Crown Court in London.

Laurence Fox faces trial in 2026 accused of encouraging Ulez camera destruction

The Prime Minister has said he has “grave concerns” about Iran’s nuclear programme as he backed Israel ’s right to self defence

Starmer urges restraint as Israel strikes Iran again in escalating Middle East crisis

CCTV footage shows the man sitting on the chair, which immediately bends back into the wall.

Tourist damages crystal-covered 'Van Gogh' chair in Verona museum after climbing on it for photo

Maurizio Cattelan: “America” a solid gold toilet installed on the fourth floor of the Guggenheim museum in New York City. United States of America.

Two men who stole £4.75 million gold toilet from house where Churchill was born jailed for more than six years