Cherilyn Mackrory, Member of Parliament for Truro and Falmouth, met with Housing Minister Stuart Andrew MP last week alongside MPs representing communities affected by high levels of second homeownership.
Cornwall has one of the highest rates of second homes in England, at one in every 21 homes - nearly five times as high as the national average.
The Government has taken several steps to ensure second homeowners contribute to local communities, including tightening tax rules for second property owners. In addition, the Levelling Up White Paper gives councils power to increase council tax on homes empty for one year rather than two.
The Government has also implemented the First Homes Scheme and Affordable Homes Programme to help first-time buyers get onto the housing ladder.
Speaking of the need to go further to create a fairer system and provide more affordable housing, Cherilyn said:
“I support responsible short-term letting, which attracts tourists and brings significant investment to local communities. However, we have a significant housing crisis in Cornwall, and sky-high second home ownership and short-term rentals have restricted supply and pushed house prices beyond the means of many local residents.
Another key problem we have seen recently is landlords cashing in on higher house prices and Airbnb for their properties, leading to tenancies being ended. This hollows out local communities, creates staff shortages, and impacts opportunities for our young people to build a stable life in Cornwall.
These issues are at the top of my agenda, and I am pleased the Minister agreed to work closely with my Cornish colleagues and I on a number of short and long-term solutions.”