The Cabinet has decided to support recommendations to understand and monitor the impact of short-term holiday lets and second homes in Camber, Rye, and Winchelsea.

URL: https://rother.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1818

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: To summarise the work of the Airbnb Task and Finish Group and outline the Group’s Final Recommendations to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Content: Cabinet received and considered Minute OSC25/09 arising from the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC) held on 2 June 2025 that had considered the recommendations of the Airbnb Task and Finish Group (AT&FG).  The OSC had proposed several recommendations for approval to enable the Council to understand and monitor the impact of short-term holiday lets and second homes, in Camber, Rye and Winchelsea.   The Environmental Health Manager advised that the Department of Culture, Media and Sports (DCMS) had announced a mandatory digital registration scheme for all short-term holiday lets, which was expected to be introduced by the end of the year.  The Council would have access to all details on the platform and from that could start to apply appropriate controls.  It was also noted that from 1 April 2025, second homes were subject to a Council Tax premium.   Cabinet noted the comments of the OSC, the conflated perception of holiday homes / lets to the lack of affordable housing, social rents and residents’ views, as outlined in Appendix B to the report.  It was felt that COVID-19 had escalated the number of second homes / holiday let properties, as people were not able to or were reluctant to travel abroad; this situation was now reversing and housing was being returned to family homes.  The OSC would be receiving an update report in the next nine to 12 months once the data from the DCMS had been received and the impact of the second homes premium was known.   Regarding recommendation 7), information on the findings of the AT&FG would be forwarded to 1066 Marketing.  The Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood Services, Tourism, Joint Waste Contract would pass on their comments / response to the Environmental Health Manager.   Members agreed and supported the recommendations proposed by the OSC and acknowledged the work of officers and Members of the AT&FG.  It was important that the balance of enabling a thriving local economy, attracting tourists and suppling affordable housing was delivered; this continued to be a significant challenge for the Council, which was a key element in the Council Plan 2025-2029.   RESOLVED: That:   1)    the findings of the Task and Finish Group, be noted;   2)    the findings of the Tourism Accommodation Study be considered when complete and determine whether revisions are required to the emerging Local Plan;   3)    to ringfence funds raised from the Council Tax Premium for those local areas affected, ensuring that the parish or town itself benefits from receipts raised in their respective area;   4)    further research be undertaken when feedback is received from the Revenue and Benefits Manager on the effect of the Council Tax Premium, the numbers of second homes and new income received;   5)    engage with the Department of Culture Media and Sports concerning the new electronic registration scheme when available for local authorities to trial at the earliest opportunity;   6)    to research the potential for a Tourist Levy, informed by data collected from the new electronic registration scheme;   7)    to work with the local hospitality industry to research ways of encouraging tourists to stay longer than one or two nights;   8)    to support local businesses and communities by providing a dedicated webpage for information and advice on the requirements for short-term holiday let owners and to provide channels for residents to report concerns; and   9)    to look at all means to prioritise housing for local people, including those presented by the new Bill making its way through Parliament prioritising local need.   (Councillor Maynard declared an Other Registerable Interest as an Executive Member of East Sussex County Council, and in accordance with the Members’ Code of Conduct remained in the meeting for the consideration thereof.)

Date of Decision: June 16, 2025