Overview

This bill proposes to give local authorities in England and Wales the power to license short-term and holiday lets. This includes setting licensing conditions, charging fees, and imposing fines for breaches, aiming to improve safety, reduce noise and nuisance, and manage the impact on housing supply.

Description

The bill empowers local authorities to create licensing schemes for short-term (up to 28 days) and holiday lets. This involves:

• Licensing Requirements for Owners: Owners must apply for and obtain a licence, pay fees, obtain safety certificates (fire, gas, electricity), provide an energy performance certificate, and comply with health and safety regulations. Licences must be renewed every three years or upon property ownership changes. Owners must provide up-to-date property details, including who manages the property, and are prohibited from letting without a valid licence.
• Local Authority Responsibilities: Local authorities must publish licensing scheme details, set annual fees, inspect properties, maintain a register of licensed properties, investigate complaints, monitor compliance, and publish annual reports detailing licensing activity and impact on housing. Authorities must also provide residents with contact details for reporting issues.
• Local Authority Powers: Authorities can prevent, suspend, or limit the granting of licenses in specific areas; set limits on the number of licences; restrict the number of days a property can be let; impose fines or revoke licences for breaches of safety, criminal activity, or repeated noise/nuisance issues; fine or bar unlicensed operators; and vary local taxes on licensed properties.
• Enforcement: The bill allows for civil and criminal penalties for contraventions of licensing requirements.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending. However, the implementation of licensing schemes will likely involve costs for local authorities in administering the process, including staffing, inspections, and enforcement. Revenue could be generated through licence fees and fines.

Groups Affected

• Short-term and holiday let owners: Will face increased costs and regulatory burdens, including licence fees, safety certifications, and potential fines.
• Local authorities: Will have increased responsibilities for administering the licensing schemes, including enforcement.
• Residents: May experience reduced noise and nuisance from short-term lets, but could also face challenges in reporting issues.
• Tourism industry: The impact on the tourism sector will depend on how local authorities implement the licensing schemes.

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