Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES), a region renowned for its heritage and vibrant community, is facing a critical housing crisis. In a motion tabled by the Green Group, the Council is called to adopt comprehensive measures aimed at safeguarding housing affordability and prioritising local residents over short-term holiday rentals.
Key Points of the Motion:
- Rent Controls: Call for government powers to introduce rent controls in B&NES to keep housing affordable.
- Capping Short-Term Lets: Propose limits on short-term holiday rentals in high-demand areas and stronger planning rules for properties rented over 90 days a year.
- End Right to Buy: Urge an end to the Right to Buy scheme to protect social housing stock and enable councils to build more homes.
- Reclaiming Empty Homes: Explore incentives for refurbishing empty properties and expand Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) to bring unused homes back into use.
Councillor Joanna Wright, Leader of the Green Group, commented:
“Our city’s tourism generates nearly half a billion pounds each year, but local people are struggling with rising housing costs. House prices in B&NES have jumped over 72% in the last decade, and rents rose by 5.2% in the past year alone. Families are being pushed out of their own neighbourhoods. This must change.
“Affordable housing is important, but social housing is vital for those most in need. We need a balanced approach that supports everyone—from young families to older residents seeking security.”
Councillor Saskia Heijltjes added:
“Short-term holiday lets are contributing to the housing squeeze, with over 1,000 properties listed in Bath alone. Rent controls and caps on these lets are essential to keep the city liveable for residents.
“We must also end Right to Buy, which has reduced social housing stock for too long. Empty homes shouldn’t sit unused while people need homes. Let’s take action now to ensure our community remains vibrant and inclusive.”
The Green Group’s motion seeks immediate steps to prioritise residents’ needs, balance the benefits of tourism, and make Bath and North East Somerset a place where people can thrive.
The motion received 40 votes against, 4 for and 4 abstentions.
[ENDS]
Anna Mounteney – Green Group Political Support Officer
Telephone: 07539746656