West Dorset MP Chris Loder has welcomed the launch of a new Government investigation into the impact of short-term holiday lets on communities.

The Government's call for evidence has been launched to support communities affected by high numbers of holiday accommodation.

Mr Loder said: "This follows my campaign to lobby the chancellor to clamp down on tax loopholes for second homes and holiday lets, after which the Government announced that from April next year, second home owners will have to pay council tax if they are not genuine holiday lets. 

"This is an opportunity for a cost/benefit analysis of the effect that full-time Airbnb's are having on local communities. This also has potential to open the door for measures to help local families better afford to live in their own areas."

On June 29, the Government announced 'a review into the effect of short-term holiday lets will seek to improve the holiday letting market for those living in popular tourism destinations. Further measures the Government is considering include a registration kitemark scheme with spot checks for compliance with rules on issues such as gas safety, a self-certification scheme for hosts to register with before they can operate, and better information or a single source of guidance setting out the legal requirements for providers'.