We are calling upon Thanet District Council to support the proposal to regulate Airbnb in Thanet. Cllr Rob Yates has tabled a motion calling for the regulation of Airbnb properties in the area. We believe that it is irresponsible and damaging to our community to allow Airbnb to operate without restriction during this housing crisis.

There is a severe shortage of housing options available to renters, who make up 33% of all residents here. People are getting desperate and face the painful decision to move away from the area. Between 2016-2019 there was nearly a 400% increase in the number of Airbnb rentals, expect this figure to rise with the pandemic. Whilst we recognise how this sector supports tourism, the balance has tipped too far and many new developments are being signposted for holiday lets. This takes away vital housing for us residents. It also helps to push rents up, threatening to price many of us out, eroding the community that we hold dear.

Currently the council has no power to regulate these numbers. We feel this must change. Please sign the petition to show support for Yate's proposals, being discussed at 7pm on Thursday 14th October. There will also be a demonstration outside the Council offices on Cecil Street.