MP secures Gove’s commitment to change planning law to tackle Cumbria’s housing crisis

On the floor of the House of Commons this afternoon, Cumbrian MP Tim Farron challenged the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove to put a cap on the number of second homes in the county.

Mr Gove offered to work with Tim to bring forward changes to planning law which would restrict "the way in which dwelling homes can be turned into Airbnbs."

Speaking during a debate on the Budget, Tim said: "In the Lakes and Dales of Cumbria, we have 63% of our employers operating below capacity because there aren't enough workers in the area.

"The big problem for us, which I know he's seeking to tackle, is the collapse of long term private rented sector into Airbnb.

"Could he give me some assurance of when this Government will change planning rules to allow communities like mine to control our housing stock so there are enough homes affordable and available for local families and local workers?"

Responding, Michael Gove said: "The Right Hon. Gentleman makes a very, very good point. And whatever our other disagreements, he's absolutely right to focus on this issue, as so many others have done.

"Of course, we want to have a labour market that works and of course we want to have a tourism sector that works.

"But there is a problem in the private rented sector, particularly in beautiful parts of our country, like those which he represents, where we do have homes which are turned into Airbnbs and into holiday lets in a way that actually impedes the capacity of young workers to find a place where they can stay in the locale that they love and contribute to the economy of which they wish to be part.

"We will be bringing forward some planning changes to the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill, which are intended to ensure that we have restrictions over the way in which dwelling homes can be turned into Airbnbs.

"I look forward to working with him and other colleagues, colleagues including the Members for North Cornwall and North Devon in order to make sure that these reforms will work."