The candidates vying to be the next West of England Metro Mayor engaged in a lively debate over the implementation of a tourist tax and housing issues at a recent hustings event in Bath. With the election scheduled for May 1 and voters from Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, and South Gloucestershire participating, the stakes were high as the candidates put forth their respective views.
Liberal Democrat candidate Oli Henman and Green candidate Mary Page both advocated for some form of regulation of short-term lets, with Henman expressing concern over the impact of such lets on the housing stock in city centers. Page highlighted the increasing number of homes in Bristol being transformed into Airbnbs and voiced support for an Airbnb tax, citing the lack of control in this area. However, the candidates differed in their opinions on taxing hotels, with Page expressing reservations due to the potential consequences for the already “squeezed” hotel industry.
Labour candidate Helen Godwin chose not to weigh in on the topic, while other candidates, including Reform candidate Arron Banks, Independent candidate Ian Scott, and Conservative candidate Steve Smith, were absent from the event.
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The Metro Mayor, wielding significant power in areas such as transport and investment, is also tasked with spearheading coordination among constituent councils on housing strategy through a regional housing plan.
During the discussion, the candidates outlined their housing approaches, with Page emphasizing the importance of viewing houses as homes rather than wealth creation assets for private equity. Henman proposed the delivery of new light rail infrastructure alongside housing to enhance connectivity, particularly between Bristol and Midsomer Norton. Godwin focused on the potential for implementing a good landlord charter to address housing issues.
Louise Swain, Chair of Homes for the South West, underscored the critical role of the incoming mayor in ensuring that housing in the West of England aligns with the needs of its residents, pledging the organization’s commitment to collaborating with the new mayor to tackle the housing crisis and drive economic growth.
As the election day approaches, the housing crisis and the regulation of short-term lets remain pivotal issues that the next Metro Mayor will need to address.