Tourism Minister backs Tim Farron’s call to limit the number of short-term lets in Cumbria

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron has secured a commitment from a government minister to curb the number of rental properties being converted into holiday lets in Cumbria.

Tim told the Minister for Tourism that, while holiday lets play an important role in the Lake District economy, all too often tenants were being evicted so that homes could be turned into short-terms lets and airbnbs.

Last year, the previous government proposed creating a new planning use class for short-term lets that weren’t used as a sole or main home.

However the new government are yet to announce whether they will take this forward.

Speaking during Culture, Media and Sport Questions in Parliament yesterday, Tim said: “Holiday lets play an important part in the tourism economy; 20 million people visit the lakes every year, and they need somewhere to stay. 

“Having said that, in the last five years especially, we have seen a gobbling-up of the long-term private rented sector and local people forced out by a massive growth in short-term lets. 

“Will the Minister speak more with the Minister for Housing and Planning about how planning law can be changed, so that councils and national parks can put a limit on the number of short-term lets in the community, and take action on second homes, too?”

Tourism Minister Chris Bryant replied: “I agree with every single thing the honourable member said, and I will do as he urges.”