'Airbnb bill' aimed at taxing Cornwall's second homeowners
'Tougher regulation'
Mr Brown added: "It must sit alongside tougher regulation and a robust registration system for short-term lets. "If it deters those looking to extract profit from Cornwall without putting anything back — good. "If it helps restore housing stock for local people, even better. "And if it ensures our hospitality and tourism sectors can find workers with secure housing, then it's a win for all of Cornwall.".Describing a "surplus" of Airbnb homes, he said there were 14,000 second homes in the county, while 22,000 people were on the housing waiting list. The bill follows a campaign led by Mr Maguire, who put the proposal directly to the Housing Minister in order to "deliver deep change for North Cornwall".He added: "The bill is about restoring fairness in our system and giving local people a better chance at owning their own home," he added.
Double council tax
In January 2023, Cornwall Council approved plans for owners of second homes in the county to be charged double council tax.In September 2024, Airbnb called for Cornwall Council to be given more data, powers and tools to regulate short-term rentals.The US online rental platform said it had written to local MPs and councillors across Cornwall to inform them of its support for new rules being implemented in the county.Airbnb also said it also supported the introduction of a registration scheme for people who wanted to let their homes to tourists.The BBC has contacted Airbnb and the The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government for comment.
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